Dakota Johnson Confirms Her Return In ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ Sequel

Dakota Johnson may be the only Fifty Shades actress to be trusted, at least as far as news on the sequel, Fifty Shades Darker.

It seems speculation regarding the Fifty Shades of Grey sequel, entitled Fifty Shades Darker, has been all over the board in recent months, and the ambiguity coming from most of the Fifty Shades of Grey stars has done little to alleviate the confusion. While some stars have declined to comment on anything as simple as when, or if, filming might commence on the Fifty Shades Darker film, Dakota Johnson has been a great deal more forthcoming.

In a recent interview, Ms. Johnson revealed that Fifty Shades Darker can be expected to begin filming in the new year.

“I’m not sure I’m allowed to say, but it’s happening and I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of the cast again and the crew. We had such a wonderful family and I mean, obviously it was a bonding experience to shoot this movie,” Dakota said of returning for Fifty Shades Darker.

Dakota is signed to return as Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades Darker with a scheduled February 10, 2017 theatrical release. Also returning is Dakota’s co-star, Jamie Dornan, who will reprise his role of Christian Grey.

Rita Ora is also rumored to be returning in the sequel in spite of receiving less than favorable critical review of her character Mia Grey.

Although Jack Hyde, Anastasia’s new boss in Fifty Shades Darker has not yet been cast, rumors suggest that Henry Cavill is favored to fill that role. Also rumored to be joining the cast is Charlize Theron, who may be playing Elena Lincoln, Christian Grey’s former dominatrix.

The first film cast Dakota Johnson as a romantic interest for Christian Grey, but Fifty Shades Darker has been described as something more akin to a thriller. It seems that, while the romantic elements will still be present, just as they were in Fifty Shades of Grey, the introduction of new characters will bring more drama into play with the Fifty Shades Darker tale.

Ms. Johnson has been involved in a romantic affair in her private life, during her time away from the Fifty Shades saga. While in New York City, where How to Be Single was filmed, Dakota was spotted spending time with boyfriend Matthew Hitt. Ms. Johnson and Hitt frequently walked Dakota’s dog together, when Ms. Johnson was away from the set.

Ms. Johnson recently finished filming on How to Be Single, a romantic comedy from director Christian Ditter. How to Be Single is scheduled for a February 12, 2016 theatrical release.

[Featured image: Dakota Johnson courtesy of Juan Naharro Gimenez/Getty Images]