In a new question and answer session, Universal chairman Adam Fogelson addresses concern that production on Fifty Shades of Grey isn’t moving fast enough, and offers a potential release date.

Fogelson spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about a variety of topics, including the adaptation of E.L. James’ runaway erotic hit. They directly asked him about criticism over the slow movement on the film, which has yet to name a director or any cast members.

“I certainly understand why some people might take that point of view,” he said. “But I don’t believe that [author EL James] had any interest in going to a studio where rushing it into production was the vision. I don’t believe that the second or third film would have benefited from that strategy. And I think that there are totally legitimate questions about what this book is as a movie. I will tell you that it is an absolute priority for us. It’s conceivable that we could be ready to release it as early as next summer.”

Not only does this offer us a release time frame, but it’s clear that Universal hopes to go forward with turning all three books in the trilogy into films.

Kelly Marcel is penning the Fifty Shades of Grey script.

Image credit: USA Today