“Fifty Shades of Grey” sequels “Fifty Shades Darker” and “Fifty Shades Freed” have been given release dates in 2017 and 2018, respectively, Universal announced Thursday.
“Darker,” based on the second book in the E.L. James erotic novel series, will be released on February 10, 2017, and “Freed,” based on the third book, will be released on February 9, 2018.
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.
James’ husband Niall Leonard recently signed on to write 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.
Jamie Dornan Is Christian Grey: Meet the Sexy Star of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' (Photos)
2004 - Jamie Dornan attends an event with his former girlfriend, Keira Knightley.
2006 - Dornan poses with actress Rose Byrne at the New York Film Festival screening of his debut feature film, "Marie Antoinette."
2009 - Dornan poses with Eva Mendes for Calvin Klein campaign.
2009 - Dornan models Calvin Klein underwear beneath Hollywood starlet Mendes.
2009 - Dornan hangs with fellow male models at Calvin Klein event.
2009 - Dornan attends a London event.
Dornan modeling for Calvin Klein campaign
2009 - Dornan models for Calvin Klein fragrance CK Free.
Doran attends the "Marie Antoinette" premiere
2011 - Dornan becomes a series regular as The Huntsman on ABC's "Once Upon a Time."
2011 - Dornan on "Once Upon a Time" as The Huntsman modern-day alter ego, Sheriff Graham.
2013 - Dornan becomes a serial killer for BBC Two drama series, "The Fall."
2013 - Dornan stars opposite Gillian Anderson in "The Fall," which was renewed for a second season.
2013 - Dornan attends the Irish Film and Television Awards with his wife, musician Amelia Warner.
Dornan modeling for Calvin Klein campaign
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Years before Dornan signed on for Universal’s steamy adaptation of E.L. James erotic novel, the actor was posing for steamy pics as a Calvin Klein model, then became a TV star as the Huntsman in ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”
2004 - Jamie Dornan attends an event with his former girlfriend, Keira Knightley.
