Director Sam Taylor-Johnson Not Returning For 'Fifty Shades of Grey' Sequel 'Fifty Shades Darker'

Sam Taylor-Johnson will not be directing the Fifty Shades of Grey sequel, titled Fifty Shades Darker.

Reports from Variety and other sources suggest that the 48-year-old director wanted to distance herself from the franchise. There have been rumors that Sam and writer E.L. James got in numerous fights over the direction of the film during filming.

Screenwriter Kelly Marcel will also not be returning, and some say that E.L. would like to adapt the script herself.

Shooting on the film, which will see the return of Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, is expected to begin next year.