Although a FIFTY SHADES OF GREY sequel still hasn't been officially announced yet, stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson are seeking a much bigger paycheck for the sequel, according to THR. Sources have told the site while both Dornan and Johnson signed three-picture deals, the pair are trying to "renegotiate for seven-figure raises" for the follow-ups FIFTY SHADES DARKER and FIFTY SHADES FREED.
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson earned $250,000 apiece for FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, and sources say they are looking for a deal perhaps not par, but at least similar to Jennifer Lawrence's THE HUNGER GAMES deal. Lawrence's salary for the first movie was only $500,000, however she got a huge pay raise for CATCHING FIRE, earning $10 million.
With director Sam Taylor-Johnson more than likely not returning for the sequel and author E.L. James demanding to write the script, I doubt Universal also wants to deal with dissatisfied stars or (even worse) having to finding new leads. Considering how well FIFTY SHADES OF GREY has performed at the box office (over $500 million worldwide), I'm sure Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson will end up getting a deal that will make everyone involved happy. Except for non-FIFTY SHADES fans, of course.
At this time, the plan is to shoot FIFTY SHADES DARKER in early 2016 for a 2017 release.