‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Sequels Set Release Dates

“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.

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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.”

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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.