Following reports that the 'House of Cards' helmer was Universal's top choice to direct the 'Fifty Shades' sequel, now the studio has officially offered him the job.
- September 1, 2015
AceShowbiz -
Last month, "House of Cards" director James Foley was reported to be Universal's top choice to helm "Fifty Shades Darker", a sequel to "Fifty Shades of Grey". Now, the studio has officially offered Foley the job and negotiations are expected to start shortly.
Ever since Sam Taylor-Johnson, who helmed the first film, announced that she would not return to the director's chair, the studio had been meeting with several directors to search for replacement. Among those movie makers was Tanya Wexler, who recently directed the period drama "Hysteria".
Deadline previously reported that Foley might also direct "Fifty Shades Freed", the third installment of the "Fifty Shades" novel trilogy. However, it has yet to be confirmed.
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson will reprise their respective roles. Author E.L. James, Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti will produce with the script penned by James' husband Niall Leonard. Production on "Fifty Shades Darker" will begin in early 2016. More casting announcement will be made as soon as Foley has a deal with the studio. The sequel will be released in the U.S. on February 10, 2017 and will be followed by "Fifty Shades Freed" on February 9, 2018.
Foley is best known for directing dark dramas like "Fear", which starred Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon, "After Dark, My Sweet" and "Glengarry Glen Ross".
