Niall Leonard, husband of “Fifty Shades of Grey” author E.J. James, has been tapped to write the film adaptation of the sequel, “Fifty Shades Darker,” an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
The steamy blockbuster features Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson as BDSM enthusiasts Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, respectively, and has broken a number of records since its impressive Valentine’s Day weekend debut when it opened at No. 1 in 54 territories.
Leonard signed on for the sequel in the wake of a shakeup that left both the original film’s writer and director, Kelly Marcel and Sam Taylor-Johnson, out of future installments.
Both Dornan and Johnson are contractually obligated to reprise their roles for the sequels, including a third film based on the novel, “Fifty Shades Freed.” Universal is now searching for a new director, and there is no release date set for “Fifty Shades Darker.”
A $55 million international gross on the original film’s first Saturday alone made it the highest-grossing Valentine’s Day release ever, as well as Universal’s highest-grossing day ever.
Leonard is an established U.K. television writer whose credits include “Hornblower” and “Wire in the Blood.” His first novel, “Crusher,” published in 2012 and spawned two sequels, “Incinerator” and “Shredder.”
He is represented by Valerie Hoskins Associates.
15 Times the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' Trailer Made You Shift in Your Seat (Photos)
"Mr. Grey will see you now."
The anticipation builds as you realize this is the moment you will be able to put a face to THE Christian Grey.
Squirm Scale: 1.3
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"What was he like?"- Kate
"He was polite, intense, smart, [pause] really intimidating."-Anastasia
We could not agree more!
Squirm Scale: 3
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"I would like to know more about you."- Christian
"There's really not much to know about me. I mean, look at me" -Anastasia
Squirm Scale: 2
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Long pause.
"I am." -Christian
Sharp intake followed by a squirm…no he did not!
Squirm Scale: 5
"I exercise control in all things Miss Steele" - Christian
"That must be really boring"-Anastasia
Oh how wrong you are Ana.
Squirm Scale: 6
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"I don't do romance"- Christian
Oh how wrong YOU are Mr. Grey
Squirm Scale: 5.3
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Sexual. Sexual. Sexual… Tension
Squirm Scale: 7
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"My tastes are [pause]…"- Christian
Abs. Abs. Abs.
Squirm Scale: 8
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"…are very singular" - Christian
No. Words.
Squirm Scale: 8.5
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"Enlighten me"-Anastasia
Yes, enlighten us Christian…RIGHT NOW
Squirm Scale: 9
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Boom.
Squirm Scale: 9.8
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Boom.
Squirm Scale: 9.9
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Boom.
Squirm Scale: 10
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Lucky b*tch…
Squirm Scale: BROKEN
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1 of 15
Try watching Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson in the sexy ”Fifty Shades of Grey“ trailer without squirming a little in your seat. TheWrap ranks 15 of the most squirm-worthy moments with our notoriously accurate ”Squirm Scale“
"Mr. Grey will see you now."
The anticipation builds as you realize this is the moment you will be able to put a face to THE Christian Grey.
Squirm Scale: 1.3