Sam Taylor-Johnson has announced she won’t be returning for Fifty Shades of Grey’s sequels Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.
In a statement to Deadline, Taylor-Johnson (pictured above right with the film’s stars) said she greatly appreciated the opportunity to direct the first film despite not coming back for movie two.
“Directing Fifty Shades of Grey has been an intense and incredible journey for which I am hugely grateful,” she said. “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.”
Related: Fifty Shades of Grey unrated Blu-ray announced with alternate ending
As Fifty Shades of Grey’s promotional campaign kicked off last month, Taylor-Johnson and author E.L. James weren’t afraid to admit they sparred with one another frequently while shooting. The disagreements may be part of the reason why James has asked to write the screenplay for the sequel Fifty Shades Darker.
The sequel hasn’t been officially green lit, but with a worldwide box office of $558 million ($164 million of that from the United States), you can bet Universal is working on developing Darker.
Lead stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson are signed for two more Fifty Shades films if the studio wishes to move forward.
We can only hope the next two movies are released over Valentine’s Day weekends, because after all, what’s a better way to celebrate a romantic weekend than some time in Christian’s red room and your loved one at your side?
Related: Hypable’s complete guide to the sex in Fifty Shades
Source: Deadline
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