The next two sequels to "Fifty Shades of Grey" will shoot back-to-back.

Variety is reporting that "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed" will be shot at the same time with director James Foley set to direct both films.

Both films are currently in pre-production and author E.L. James has been active on social media showing off the work process. Production is set to start in early 2016 but no specific date has been given. Universal decided the strategy to save costs and it is a strategy that many films have used.

Peter Jackson decided to do that for "The Lord of the Rings" as well as "The Hobbit" films, and the final two installments of "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" were shot back-to-back. "Matrix Revolutions" and "Matrix Reloaded" also followed the same trend, as did the second and third "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.

"Fifty Shades Darker" is being written by author E.L. James' Husband, Niall Leonard. Leonard is replacing Kelly Marcel, who wrote the first film.

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson will reprise their roles as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele and it is expected that the sequels will star Rita Ora, Luke Grimes and Victor Rasuk. Many of the roles have yet to be filled however, because casting has not started.

The film is being produced by Oscar nominees Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti alongside author James.

"Fifty Shades Darker" is expected to take more risks especially after the first film, which disappointed many fans for being too glossy and playing it safe. However, Universal has yet to confirm its plans and if the film will get an unrated version on DVD.

"Fifty Shades of Grey" grossed more than $560 million at the global box office this year and broke February records domestically when it opened on Valentine's day.

"Fifty Shades Darker" is scheduled for release on Feb. 10, 2017 while "Fifty Shades Freed" hits theaters Feb. 9, 2018.

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