‘Fifty Shades Darker’ Adding Alexis Bledel As Leila Williams? Production Delayed Even Further?

With Fifty Shades of Grey fans gearing up for the much-awaited sequel in the popular franchise, more casting rumors have surfaced concerning Alexis Bledel. According to News Everyday, the actress might be set to play Leila Williams in Fifty Shades Darker.

Bledel is no stranger to rumors about her playing a part in the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise. In fact, back in 2013, fans petitioned for Bledel to be chosen to play Anastasia Steele. Although Dakota Johnson was selected for the role, Bledel discussed the rumors in an interview with Elle.

“People definitely do have strong opinion about it. I guess when people really identify with a concept, they feel strongly about it.”

Bledel, who is known for her appearances on Gilmore Girls and Mad Men, already has managed to build another strong fan base who desire to see her in the role as Williams.

Speaking of the new character, Williams will be introduced into the series as a past partner of Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). Williams seeks Grey’s help after suffering an emotional breakdown. In addition to Bedel being rumored to play Williams, actress Cara Delevingne has also been throw into the mix as a possible candidate.

Although Universal has released an official premiere date for Fifty Shades Darker, the movie still hasn’t managed to get out of the pre-production phase. In addition to having issues finding a suitable director, producers are also dealing with another delay involving Dornan.

News Everyday is reporting that Dornan has asked for a break in order to satisfy his wife, Amelia Warner, who is having difficulties with the idea of the ramped up sex scenes between Dornan and Johnson in the new film.

With that in mind, Dornan has allegedly requested time off after he is done with the production of his newest film, Anthropoid.

In addition to the delays caused by Dornan and the absence of a director, there are still a number of parts that need casting. Along with Williams, the roles of Jack Hyde and Elena Lincoln (Mrs. Robinson) have yet to be cast.

With everything that still needs to come together for Fifty Shades Darker, it will be interesting to see if producers are able to complete it by the premiere date.

Fifty Shades Darker is expected to be released in February of 2017, followed by the third film in the franchise, Fifty Shades Freed, which is scheduled to premiere in 2018.

[Image Courtesy: Toby Canham / Getty Images]