The ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ sequels have finally gotten a director and will be shot back-to-back.
‘House of Cards’ James Foley will take over directing duties from Sam Taylor-Johnson, who decided not to return for the sequels and the movies – which are currently in pre-production – will be filmed together next year, according to The Wrap.
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson will return to the franchise as bondage-loving billionaire Christian Grey and his naive lover Anastasia Steele.
Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti will once again produce alongside author E.L. James, while her husband Niall Leonard has written both scripts, based on her best-selling novels.
Foley’s directing credits include 1992’s ‘Glengarry Glen Rose’, starring Al Pacino and Alec Baldwin, the 1996 thriller ‘Fear’ starring Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon and 2007’s psychological thriller ‘Perfect Stranger’ with Halle Berry.
Speaking about leaving the franchise, Sam previously told BANG Showbiz: "I’m flattered they wanted me to continue. But it was a monumental job – that was enough for me. I couldn’t really have ever expected that after working in a small, dark room for almost a year editing. I wish them all the luck in the world."
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ is scheduled for release on February 10, 2017 with the finale ‘Fifty Shades Freed’ due out on February 9, 2018.
Fifty Shades of Grey gets new director
