E.L. James' erotic romantic novel series hit "Fifty Shades of Grey" shone in the big screen last Valentine's Day release with an astounding $568 million box-office hit worldwide. And with the warm and strong welcome of the fans and returns, it's no surprise that the series will be picked up for its sequels "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed", Universal Studios announced at the recently-held CinemaCon.
The film has experienced drama behind the cameras as the author E.L. James has been reported to have constantly clashed with the director, Sam Taylor-Johnson, causing for the latter and for the screenwriter Kelly Marcel to bail out in the production of the sequel. Despite the chaos, the production found its way back by naming Niall Leonard, James' husband for 20 years, to be the new screenwriter.
Theron and Delevigne to be Steele's nightmare? New still from movie released
Two women in Christian's life will return in the sequel and will hunt Anastasia for winning Christian's affection. Award-winning actress Charlize Theron is being rumored to play Elena Lincoln, a 30 to 40 something woman who seduced Christian when he was 15 years old but currently his business partner. Model/actress Cara Delevigne is also being rumored to play as Leila Williams, Christian's former submissive who turned mental and tried to harass Ana. There has been no official statement from the stars but with the film's shoot slated to happen in June, the official cast will surely be revealed soon.
With the announcement of the sequels release date, a new still from "Fifty Shades Darker" was released. The black and white image showed Christian, wearing a mask, devilishly and mysteriously handsome in his suit. This image confirms that the masquerade ball to be held at the Greys' residences will be in the next movie. This is when he'll be bidding $100,000 just to be Ana's first dance.
Are you excited to see the film? Did Universal make the right choice of choosing James' husband as the screenwriter? Sound off below!
"Fifty Shades Darker" will hit the theaters on February 20, 2017.
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