Much like Catherine Hardwicke after TWILIGHT, behind the scenes shenanigans have forced Sam Taylor-Johnson to depart the franchise she helped introduce to movie-goers. After the success of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, Taylor-Johnson will not return to direct the already announced FIFTY SHADES DARKER. There has been no official statement from the studio as to if a replacement has been found, but this could delay production on the already troubled sequel.
In a statement to Deadline, the director said the following.
“Directing Fifty Shades Of Grey has been an intense and incredible journey for which I am hugely grateful. I have Universal to thank for that. I forged close and lasting relationships with the cast, producers and crew and most especially, with Dakota and Jamie. While I will not be returning to direct the sequels, I wish nothing but success to whosoever takes on the exciting challenges of films two and three.”
Taylor-Johnson is being diplomatic but there were rumors of issues between Taylor-Johnson and the author of the novels, E.L. James. James herself has voiced a desire to write the screenplay for FIFTY SHADES DARKER while stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson are seeking pay increases following the box office success of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY.
In the grand scheme of things, this decision will be moot as it really doesn't matter who directs these movies. Fans of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY will attend even if Uwe Boll were behind the camera. They will make boatloads of money and then ten years later, after the final film is split in two, we will not be talking about them ever again. Such is what happens with shitty movies.
FIFTY SHADES DARKER is slated to film next year for a 2017 release.