Confirmed: Sam Taylor Johnson Out as Director of Fifty Shades Sequels

Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey

There has been rumors ever since the theatrical release of Fifty Shades of Grey whether or not Sam Taylor-Johnson would return to direct the 2 sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.  Well, there is no need to speculate any longer, it was confirmed that she will not return.

In an exclusive with Deadline, Taylor-Johnson stated:

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.

There has been no news yet as to who will take over the directing role.  It was rumored that Taylor-Johnson and EL James (author of the novels) did not always see eye to eye and that she was not given enough creative control while directing.  This is what eventually led to her departure.

The sequels are also without a screenwriter.  Kelley Marcel, who wrote the movie adaptation, will not be returning.  There are more rumors flying around that James is wanting to pen her own script for the sequels.

The good news, Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson are still on to reprise their roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in the sequels.

So when can we expect to see Fifty Shades Darker hit theaters?  Well if James and the studio can come through negotiations, they would be able to start filming in 2016.  With that said, I guess we will just have to wait to find out what happens.

 

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Miranda

Miranda is currently an editor and (sometimes writer). She's been trying to get back into the swing of things since having her son a year ago. When she is writing, you can find her chatting about Riverdale, Fifty or Robert Pattinson. Catch up with her on Twitter (@MirandaMajor or @MirandaMajor_FN), Instagram (MirandaMajor), Tumblr (mlmajor) or Pinterest (MirandaMajor)