Universal has selected a director for their big screen adaptation of the erotic novel FIFTY SHADES OF GREY and it is Sam Taylor-Johnson. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, it is because she was previously credit as Sam Taylor-Wood when she directed the John Lennon biopic NOWHERE BOY starring her future husband, Aaron Taylor-Johnson. That’s right, FIFTY SHADES OF GREY will be directed by the wife of Kick-Ass.
Producer Michael De Luca issued this statement:
“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. 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.”
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY is the best-selling ebook series that triggered the “mommy porn” sub-genre of fiction that populates Targets and Wal-Marts across America. Universal paid top dollar for the movie rights while speculation runs rampant online as to who will star in the movie.
Taylor-Johnson issued her own statement as well:
“I am excited to be charged with the evolution of Fifty Shades of Grey from page to screen. 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.”
Taylor-Johnson’s NOWHERE BOY was an interesting look at the pre-Beatles life of John Lennon but doesn’t showcase anything that would suggest her for FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. While NOWHERE BOY does have a good grasp of character interaction, fans of the books will still be left wondering what to expect from the adaptation.
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY still has no release date or cast, but with Sam Taylor-Wood on board, expect more announcements soon.
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