The wait is over. In the past two years, E.L. James’ 50 Shades of Grey and its two sequels have gone on to become one of the most-read and most-talked about novels of our time.
Whatever your feelings may be on the trilogy, there’s no denying that it achieved almost overnight cult status. And, needless to say, Hollywood quickly beckoned.
Rumours have been back and forth for a little over a year as to who’s set to take the helm. And now Deadline report that Sam Taylor-Johnson has secured the sought-after job.
Kelly Marcel (Terra Nova, Saving Mr. Banks) has penned the script, with Dana Brunetti (The Social Network) and Michael De Luca (Moneyball) producing alongside James.
“Sam’s unique ability to gracefully showcase complex relationships dealing with love, emotion and sexual chemistry make her the ideal director to bring Christian and Anastasia’s relationship to life,” said De Luca. “EL James’ characters and vivid storytelling require a director who is willing to take risks and push the envelope where needed, and Sam is a natural fit.”
Courtesy of Amazon, here’s the synopsis for the original novel.
When literature student Anastasia Steele interviews successful entrepreneur Christian Grey, she finds him very attractive and deeply intimidating. Convinced that their meeting went badly, she tries to put him out of her mind – until he turns up at the store where she works part-time, and invites her out.
Unworldly and innocent, Ana is shocked to find she wants this man. And, when he warns her to keep her distance, it only makes her want him more.
But Grey is tormented by inner demons, and consumed by the need to control. As they embark on a passionate love affair, Ana discovers more about her own desires, as well as the dark secrets Grey keeps hidden away from public view.
Taylor-Johnson, wife of Kick-Ass’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson, made her feature directorial debut with Nowhere Boy. The John Lennon biopic went on to pick up four BAFTA nominations and earn substantial claim for Taylor-Johnson (then Taylor-Wood).
Universal and Focus Features acquired the 50 Shades of Grey rights back in the spring last year in the midst of a very hot bidding war. And now it looks like the adaptation will be starting to move forward towards the big screen soon.
With the director now found, we’ll hopefully be hearing some concrete casting news soon.
