‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ Sequel Delayed Due To Author’s Demands
The sequel to the hit movie Fifty Shades of Grey may not be coming as soon as many fans and critics might like.
Variety reports that the plans to move forward with the sequel, Fifty Shades Darker, have actually been delayed due to the demands of author E.L. James for creative control.
According to the report, E.L. James wants to write the script for the sequel herself. Universal Pictures apparently resisted the idea and still need to have a discussion with the bestselling author to determine their next move.
WOMAN STOP PLEASE RT @Hypable: ‘Fifty Shades’ author wants to write the sequel’s screenplay http://t.co/uFTL1SrWtP pic.twitter.com/62mwEmEahI
— Beatrice Phan (@2PMphan) February 19, 2015
The fact that E.L. James decided to make a move for more creative control over the next installment of the franchise should not be a surprise, especially since the first film has already generated over $300 million worldwide.
However, the reported ongoing arguments between James and Universal Pictures have caused a delay in the sequel’s production.
Instead of retaining the creative team that developed the first film, it seems as if the follow-up film to Fifty Shades of Grey will have to go through a complete reshuffling — a move that is not often made by successful movie franchises.
For instance, Variety reports that insiders claim neither screenwriter Kelly Marcel, nor director Sam Taylor-Johnson, are expected to return for Fifty Shades Darker.
According to a Universal spokesman, an official post-opening meeting between the studio and E.L. James has not occurred as of yet.
“The studio had always intended to sit down with the author after the film opened and discuss next steps, and that has not yet happened.”
If E.L. James’ demand is met and she receives full creative control, the release date of the movie will need to be delayed further – especially since James does not have any film writing experience.
Reports confirm that the uncertainty alone means that Fifty Shades Darker will not start production until at least the first quarter of 2016, which means that the movie will not be released anywhere near Valentine’s Day 2016.
Fifty Shades Darker March 2016 pic.twitter.com/PTnda0ANbH
— Christian Grey (@ChristianTyGrey) February 16, 2015
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, E.L. James and director Taylor-Johnson argued constantly both on set as well as in the editing room.
Taylor-Johnson did not hesitate to discuss the tension between herself and James in a January interview with Variety.
“We disagreed a lot. She created these characters and the story. I was trying to create a film experience that would honor the book but at the same time give us a fresh perspective. That was difficult for her. We’d battle things out. I think you could say we crossed every scenario through our battles.”
Thanks to the box-office success of Fifty Shades of Grey, the sequel’s production delay might cause scheduling problems for the lead stars, Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan.
[Image Credit: Ian Gavan/Getty Images]
