Universal Pictures
Are you tired of hearing about Fifty Shades of Grey? That’s too bad, because the movie hasn’t even come out yet, and as we lead up to this Friday’s theatrical release you’re sure to be seeing tons more attention paid to the adaptation of the best-selling erotica book originally conceived as Twilight fan-fic. And then, once it has shot its load in cinemas and seems to be going away, the sequels will arrive to give you more. You can’t escape it. You’re basically handcuffed to this bed of hype.
In case, like me, you’ve forgotten this fact, the book “Fifty Shades of Grey” is only the first of a trilogy of novels by E.L. James. Its followed by “Fifty Shades Darker” and “Fifty Shades Freed,” and both of those installments are now officially confirmed to be heading to the big screen, as well. The sequels were confirmed during a fan screening in New York City last Friday, according to MTV News. That’s not an announcement straight from the studio, but coming from the mouth of director Sam Taylor-Johnson is close enough.
Will she remain in the director’s chair, or will she be tossed to the side in favor of another, as was the case with the Twilight franchise? Recent reports focused on tension on the set of the first movie could have an effect on who’s back for the follow-up, with Taylor-Johnson admitting that she had problems with James and disagreements over the ending – of course, these arguments were said to be resolved each time, but that part of the story isn’t as interesting to the media.
Stars Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan are also being dragged through the mud for their lack of chemistry during the press tour. But regardless of whether or not they hate each other, that’s really irrelevant to the future of this franchise. Many people work side by side co-workers they dislike, and this is all just a job for the actors. I’m sure they’ll do just fine getting through another two movies given the paychecks that will come with them, especially after Fifty Shades of Grey opens huge this weekend.
The questions now are, can Universal get Fifty Shades Darker into theaters for next Valentine’s Day, and will they follow the norm and split Fifty Shades Freed into two movies just for the hell/money of it?