"Fifty Shades Darker" looks like it found a new director.

According to Variety, James Foley has been offered to direct the upcoming sequel to "Fifty Shades of Grey." The news is no surprise as he made the cut on a shortlist that was leaked two weeks ago.

It is no surprise that execs have been looking for a new director ever since Sam Taylor-Johnson decided to leave the series. Casting had been halted because producers and the studio were looking for someone with enough experience to handle the tough subject matter.

Foley is known for his work in stylish dramas from the 1980s and 90s. He directed his feature film debut in 1984 with the romance "Reckless," which starred Daryl Hannah and Aidan Quinn. He also directed "After Dark, My Sweet," "At Close Range," "Fear" and "Glengarry Glen Ross." Recently he has been working on Netflix's acclaimed series "House of Cards," starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright.

"Fifty Shades Darker" will begin production next year and is set to star Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson in the lead roles. The two will be joined by Rita Ora, Luke Grimes, Eloise Mumford and Victor Rasuk. Charlize Theron and Henry Cavill were once rumored for the film, but they have since denied their participation in the film.

Author E.L. James, Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti are producing the project, while James' husband, Niall Leonard, wrote the script.

"Fifty Shades Darker" is set to be filmed simultaneously with the third installment "Fifty Shades Freed." Both films will follow in the footsteps of "Fifty Shades of Grey," which made $166 million domestically and over $500 million worldwide.

"Fifty Shades Darker" is set for release on Feb. 14, 2017 with casting set to begin when Foley's deal is worked out.

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