Shortly after the release of Universal Pictures' blockbusterFifty Shades of Grey, it was confirmed that directorSam Taylor-Johnsonwill not come back to make themovie sequel,Fifty Shades Darker. One month later, it was revealed that authorE.L. James' husband,Niall Leonard, will write the screenplay adaptation, with the studio setting a July 14, 2025 release date. Today we have word fromDeadlinethat filmmakerJames Foleyis the front runner to direct this hotly-anticipated follow-up.
This report also reveals that he may also sign on to direct the third installment,Fifty Shades Freed, which has been given a February 9, 2018release date. The studio is still working out whether or not they should shoot bothFifty Shades DarkerandFifty Shades Freedback-to-back.Dakota JohnsonandJamie Dornanare coming back to reprise their roles as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey.
Negotiations haven’t started yet forJames Foleyto take the helm, but the studio plans on starting talks soon. Universal was also considering filmmakers such as Rebecca Thomas (Electrick Children),Mark Pellington(I Melt with You) and Tanya Wexler (Hysteria) for the directorial gig. It isn’t known when production may begin on the sequel, but it surely will be an important project for the studio.
Fifty Shades of Greytook in a whopping $569 million worldwide during its theatrical release this year, with the adaptation costing just $40 million to make. Supporting cast members such asLuke Grimes,Jennifer Ehle,Eloise Mumford,Rita Ora,Marcia Gay Harden,Max MartiniandVictor Rasukare expected to return, but none of these actors have been confirmed quite yet.Michael De LucaandDana Brunettiwill return to produce along with authorE.L. James. The author recently released a newFifty Shadesbook, told from Christian Grey’s point of view, but no movie adaptation is being planned yet.
James Foleyhasn’t directed a feature since the 2007 thrillerPerfect Stranger, but he has been keeping busy on the TV side, directing several episodes ofHouse of Cards, whichDana Brunettiproduces. He has also recently directed episodes ofWayward PinesandHannibal. On the feature side, the filmmaker is best known for At Close Range, Glengarry Glen Ross,Fearand The Chamber.
