"Fifty Shades Of Grey" author E.L. James recently took to Twitter to announce that the film adaptation of her books has secured a director, and a female one at that. "I'm delighted & thrilled to let you guys know that Sam Taylor-Johnson has agreed to direct the film of Fifty Shades of Grey," she tweeted.
The film version of the bestselling series already rumored cast members including Alexis Bledel, Matt Bomer, Jennifer Lawrence and Henry Cavill. Bledel is currently the fan favorite choice to play protagonist Anastasia Steele. Due to the extremely sexual material of the story, The Wrap predicts that an unknown actress may be cast in the provocative role.
According to The Wrap, the film will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, who recently signed on to the Universal Pictures and Focus Features project. Taylor-Johnson is the wife of "Kick-Ass" star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who played John Lennon in her first film "Nowhere Boy." Taylor-Johnson's husband has not announced that he plans to role of Christian Grey.
Director Gus Van Sant aspired to secure the role as director, even shooting a test reel with actor Alex Pettyfer as Christian Grey, but the film company wanted to go with a younger, "edgier" director who was female. The film's producers include E.L. James, Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca.
"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," De Luca said to Deadline, who broke the news. "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."
"I am excited to be charged with the evolution of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' from page to screen," said Taylor-Johnson. "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."
