The Fifty Shades of Grey sequel, Fifty Shades Darker , is full steam ahead, at least according to one of the stars, Rita Ora.
The “Poison” singer stopped by the Capital XTRA studios with rapper Charles Hamilton to discuss their new song “New York Raining.” While she was there, the subject of the much-delayed sequel came up. All that Ora would share was that “[p]lans are moving forward with that whole sequel,” which implies that she is going to reprise her role as Christian Grey’s little sister Mia Grey in the sequel.
So far, Ora is the only person to talk openly about appearing in the sequel. It has been confirmed that Jamie Dornan (Christian Grey) and Dakota Johnson (Anastasia Steele) will both reprise their roles in the BDSM blockbuster based on the international bestsellers by E.L. James.
Darker has already been filled with drama, most of it reportedly centered on James wanting more creative control of the sequel.
Fifty Shades of Grey director Sam Taylor-Johnson was the first major player from the first movie to step down. She was followed by screenwriter Kelly Marcel. While a new director has not been announced, some media outlets are speculating that James wants to take the helm and direct the movie herself.
As for the script, James’ husband, Niall Leonard, has been tapped to bring the second book in the trilogy to the big screen.
There are also a few new roles that need to be filled for the second movie. Venture Capital Post has reported that Charlize Theron has been cast to play Elena Lincoln, a.k.a. Mrs. Robinson. Fans of the book know that Mrs. Robinson plays a major part in books two and three and repeatedly comes between Anastasia and Christian.
Venture Capital Post is also reporting that supermodel and Paper Towns star Cara Develingne has been approached to play Leila Williams, a past submissive of Christian’s that can’t seem to get over Christian and tries to take it out on Anastasia.
Lastly, Fashion & Style reports that Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice star Henry Cavill is the one that the studio wants to play Anastasia’s boss, Jack Hyde.
None of the casting rumors can be confirmed, but look for casting news to start breaking since filming should start soon.
The Fifty Shades of Grey sequel is set to premiere on February 10, 2017, with the third movie in the trilogy to follow in February, 2018.
[Photo Courtesy: Jason Merritt For Getty Images]