After director Sam Taylor-Johnson made it clear that her relationship with E.L. James was like being on a months-long battlefield, the "Fifty Shades of Grey" author is reportedly attempting to take control of the movie's sequel by writing the script herself. Variety reports that James is in negotiations with Universal Pictures, which has not yet officially green-lit the film, "Fifty Shades Darker."
It was reported a few days ago that Taylor-Johnson was pulling out of the sequel, specifically due to her fraught relationship with James. Sources tell Variety that both Taylor-Johnson and the first movie's screenwriter, Kelly Marcel, are not expected to return.
Even if the writer and director of "Fifty Shades Darker" aren't tied down yet, Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan are. They are contractually handcuffed to the sequels, even if the Internet speculates about whether they even get along. The rest of the cast, on the other hand, may technically be more of a question mark. Eloise Mumford, who played Anastasia's roommate, gave a coy, "We'll see," when E! News asked about further involvement at a pre-Oscar party earlier this week.
Whatever happens, the next movie will be huge. "Fifty Shades of Grey" roped in more than $100 million after less than a week in theaters, and it is expected to top the box office again this weekend. Johnson will also present at the Oscars on Sunday and host "Saturday Night Live" on Feb. 28.
But at least one other question looms, and it's the most important of all: Should Rita Ora keep practicing her French?
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