The first Fifty Shades of Grey movie may not be out until next February but according to new inside reports, Universal are so convinced of box office success that they’re already forging ahead with the sequel.
The first movie based on EL James’ smash hit novel wrapped shooting back in February, with the Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson starring flick hitting cinemas on Valentine’s Day week 2015.
Thanks to the huge fan base surrounding James’ novel, Universal are said to be making plans for a second movie based on the book Fifty Shades Darker.
Tracking Board report that the studio “is actively moving ahead” with the new movie. With the first film expected to easily make back its estimated $40 million budget, it’s not a huge surprise that the studio wants to cash in and get cracking on another potential money spinner.
Interestingly the site report that the new movie is currently an “open writing assignment (OWA)” which means that the hunt for a new writer is on.
Kelly Marcel adapted the first novel for the big screen but then both Patrick Marber and Mark Bomback were hired to polish up the script, but this time around it looks like Universal want to bring in fresh talent.
According to the report, none of the cast has officially signed on for the follow-up and director Sam Taylor-Johnson is not a certain return either. Kristin Lowe will be back as an executive, and dream team Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti will still be producing though, says the insider.
Surely Jamie and Dakota will be back as Christian and Anastasia? The two leads have already gained a huge following among FSOG fans, even before the first footage from the movie is released. It would be plain wrong to introduce another Ana and Christian for a second movie.