Director Sam Taylor-Johnson departed the production after the successful premiere of "Fifty Shades of Grey." As of this moment, reports are surfacing that James Foley might be the ideal replacement as the new director for "Fifty Shades Darker." However, Foley reportedly declined the offer. Is there any truth to this?

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Negotiations between Universal and Foley are still under construction, as TIME reported. Aside from offering E. L. James's sequel, the source also noted that Universal is citing Foley to direct "Fifty Shades Freed" as well.

The 61-year-old American director has been dedicated on his craft for 31 years. Known for his works on the highly acclaimed TV series like "House of Cards" and "Hannibal," James Foley also directed the multi- awarded film "Glengerry GlennRoss." Then, aside from movies and shows, he also worked for Madonna's music videos such as "Papa Don't Preach," "Live To Tell" and "True Blue."

However, should Foley decline the terms for the sequel, Universal proactively listed directors Tanya Wexler and Mark Pellington as considered options, Digital Trends wrote.

For the production lineup, E. L. James will be producing the sequel once again, but with the help of Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti. On the other hand, her husband Niall Leonard will take care of the screenplay after Kelly Marcel also left the project.

As for the movie's flow and editing format, AV Club noted the entire crew is reportedly united in shooting the sequels "back to back, reinforcing Universal's commitment to A-B-C (Always Be Cropping)."

Known for its explicit and intimate theme, the sequel will explore the BDSM culture even further. The erotic trilogy features the sexual love story of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. Unlike "Fifty Shades of Grey," the sequel might cover more of sensitive and hotter scenes between the two.

While information about the additional characters are still limited, it is believed that Jack Hyde, the one that will go in between Christian and Anastasia, might be introduced on the second film.

Let us keep our fingers crossed and hope that E. L. James will finally have a new director.

"Fifty Shades Darker" kicks off in cinemas on Feb. 10, 2017 while "Fifty Shades Freed" premieres on Feb. 9, 2018.

TagsFifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, fifty shades darker cast, fifty shades darker movie