Fifty Shades of Grey has already amassed more than $300M worldwide, cementing the erotic thriller as an international smash hit. But that's not to say everything went off without a hitch. Reports have been circulating about the on-set clashes between director Sam Taylor-Johnson and author E.L. James, who apparently squabbled over every bit of dialogue. The first film saw James wield her power in various ways to steer the film to her liking, but now with the sequel Fifty Shades Darker in the works she's looking to exert even greater influence.
According to Variety, production on Fifty Shades Darker has hit a snag because James is looking to write the screenplay herself. Universal Pictures and Focus Features were quick to give James final say in practically all aspects of production in an effort to secure the rights to her trio of best-selling novels, but now that may be coming back to bite them in the butt. The first film saw James collaborate with screenwriter Kelly Marcel, with Patrick Marber coming on later to do a rewrite, and by all accounts she fought against any changes to her script. That she has so little experience writing movies means the film may not begin until early 2016, meaning a release date either later in the year or in 2017.
It's becoming clearer that a total creative overhaul may be in store for the sequels. Taylor-Johnson isn't likely to return for more fights with James. And why should she? Her profile is never going to be higher than right now and it would be smart to capitalize. Stars Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan are contracted to return but various reports suggest they didn't get along, either. If delays continue too long it could force the stars to rearrange their schedules, or push production back even further as dates are worked out.
