"Fifty Shades of Grey" director Sam-Taylor Johnson released a statement that she will not be returning as director of "Fifty Shades Darker," confirming what has been in the rumor mill for some time.
Although the "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequel has not yet been given a go signal, Sam-Taylor Johnson has issued a statement that she has parted ways with the movie franchise. Her statement reads:
"Directing ‘Fifty Shades of Grey' has been an intense and incredible journey for which I am hugely grateful. I have Universal to thank for that. I forged close and lasting relationships with the cast, producers and crew and most especially, with Dakota and Jamie. While I will not be returning to direct the sequels, I wish nothing but success to whosoever takes on the exciting challenges of films two and three."
Sam-Taylor Johnson has reportedly been in logger-heads with author E.L. James for some time. Reports are circulating that the two have been in each other's neck during the filming of "Fifty Shades of Grey." Speculations are ripe that the recent demands of E.L. James to be given free reign on the direction of the movie "Fifty Shades Darker" is the major reason why Taylor-Johnson chose to part ways with Universal.
"Fifty Shades of Grey" screenwriter Kelly Marcel has already said that she will not be returning to write the sequel of the movie. Variety previously reported that E.L. James is very interested in writing the movie script for the sequel. However, James is still consulting with her team and has not decided on which option to take.
Reports said that production for "Fifty Shades Darker" is expected to start its production in the first quarter of 2016 with stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson reprising their roles as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.
Since opening over Valentine's Day weekend, "Fifty Shades of Grey" has grossed over $558 worldwide and $164 million domestically. However, because of the falling out of Sam-Taylor Johnson and Kelly Marcel with Universal, it is very unlikely that the "Fifty Shades Darker" will be released for next year's Valentine's Day.
According to reports, the production of "Fifty Shades Darker" will start on the first quarter of 2016. This means that the "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequel will have a release date either late 2016 or the first quarter of 2017.
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