Sam Taylor-Johnson has announced that she will not direct the sequel to Fifty Shades of Grey.
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson will still reprise their lead roles, but Taylor-Johnson along with the screenwriter of the erotic drama released on Valentine’s Day, Kelly Marcel, will not return.
The second instalment of the erotic series, Fifty Shades Darker, is planned to be released in 2016 but the new director of the film is currently unknown.
When discussing her decision, Taylor-Johnson said: “While I will not be returning to direct the sequels, I wish nothing but success to whoever takes on the exciting challenges of films two and three… 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.”
Author of the original material, E.L. James, reportedly wants more control in the upcoming films of the series, with James’ desire for more control highly likely in Taylor-Johnson’s decision to leave after the pair allegedly collided during production.
