It seems like we here at The Inquisitr have been covering the Fifty Shades of Grey film for years. Although its only been a few months or so, we have reported news on rumored leads from Kristen Stewart to Mila Kunis , as well as Ian Somerhalder launching an online campaign via Twitter for the role of Christian Grey.
As Universal looks to start production on the film, the talk of the leads died down, and a few reports began to spin out on who would ultimately direct the erotica novel turned screenplay. We first reported that it was looking more likely to be at the helm of Gus Van Sant ( Good Will Hunting ) as he was the top name that emerged after shooting a test with actor Alex Pettyfer for the lead.
Well, it’s not Gus Van Sant or Joe Wright. Instead Deadline has announced that director Sam Taylor-Johnson ( Nowhere Boy ) will take on the task of taking something that has been described as “mommy porn” and making it watchable and appealing. This is an interesting choice, and we wonder just how Taylor-Johnson will handle taking on the direction of a highly scrutinized novel.
In the press release by Universal, producers Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti, who have been the only constant names in the production, released a statement about director Sam Taylor-Johnson signing on board:
“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. “E L 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.”
What does Sam Taylor-Johnson think of this news? The director, who’s married to Kick-Ass actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson said in a statement:
“For the legions of fans, I want to say that I will honor the power of Erika’s book and the characters of Christian and Anastasia. They are under my skin too.”
In response to the announcement of Sam Taylor-Johnson’s arrival to production, Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James tweeted her excitement:
I’m delighted & thrilled to let you guys know that Sam Taylor-Johnson has agreed to direct the film of Fifty Shades of Grey.
— E L James (@E_L_James) June 19, 2013
Universal Pictures acquired the rights to the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy back in March of 2012. Now that we have a director on board, it looks like we may finally see who will play the elusive Christian Grey.