'Fifty Shades of Grey' Cast & Rumors 'Fifty Shades Darker' to Be Written by EL James’s Husband
Finally, we know who will write "Fifty Shades Darker" -- the husband of trilogy author E.L. James will take over the script for the second movie in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" series.
Niall Leonard has some script writing experience and his inclusion into the project could be a compromise between the studio and James.
Variety reports Leonard has been chosen to replace Kelly Marcel, who left the franchise after the first film. Leonard has not written for a major film but has experience writing for various British television shows, including "Wire in the Blood" and "Wild at Heart."
It could be Leonard was chosen in part because it had been reported James, whose real name is Erika Leonard, wanted to write the screenplay for the second movie. However, she has no experience whereas her husband does.
"Niall is an outstanding writer in his own right, with multiple established credits, and we are lucky to have him join Team Fifty," said producer Michael De Luca in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, which broke the story.
Aside from writing for television, Leonard is also a published author like his wife. He has written the "Crusher" series of crime thrillers.
James, who has a very tight hold on creative decisions for the movies, clashed with former director Sam Taylor-Johnson on various creative aspects. Taylor-Johnson announced in March she would be leaving the franchise.
"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," she said in her statement at the time, avoiding comments on her alleged bad relationship with James.
Now that a writer for the movie has been chosen, the studio needs to find a new director.
In the last couple of weeks news have been released of who may be joining the cast, including Cara Delvingne. It has also been confirmed through leaked emails Rita Ora will be in the sequels.
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