Die-hard fans of E.L. James' raunchy trilogy of a novel may be expected to unquestioningly head to theaters once the "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequel drops in 2017. However, some audiences may need a bit of encouragement to turn up at the cinemas when "Fifty Shades Darker" arrive.
The Couple Returns
The good news is that Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan will reprise their roles as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. With that, audiences can expect a visual continuity with the sequel.
Previously, there have been rumors of Dornan delaying production or even quitting the franchise because his wife Amelia Warner reportedly isn't comfortable about him doing such raunchy scenes with someone not his spouse. This however has been dismissed by the former model himself. He had reiterated that his better half has been very supportive of him.
There's also news that both actors will be receiving a pay raise for the second installment. With that considered, perhaps they will deliver better performances in the follow up?
More Revelations
The sequel will open up more aspects in the mysterious yet troubled billionaire's life, especially on how he got into the whole BDSM thing.
Ana will meet 'Mrs. Robinson' Elena Lincoln for the first time in 'Fifty Shades Darker,'" Fashion & Style pointed out. "Ana's understanding of the hold Lincoln has on her lover helps her to rationalize his masochistic behavior in the bedroom." "Still, as Ana's relationship with Christian unfolds, his union with Lincoln unravels, setting the stage for an epic blowout that sets the wheels in motion for the couple's future," the site said.
New Characters
How will Anna and Christian's relationship fare in the face of new players in their story? Especially if one of them has an impact on the protagonist's life. The sequel will include Ana's boss, Jack Hyde, who appear to have some role in the tycoon's background too.
"Fans will see just how unstable Hyde is and how important he is in Christian Grey's back story. Hyde's involvement in the lives of Anastasia and Christian carries over into film three and ties all of the loose ends of Grey's life together," Fashion & Style said.
New Director
Previously, it was rumored that the novels' author might take over the helm herself. Recently, it's been reported that a "legit" director may come on board and take the reins of the project.
"james Foley has emerged as the clear frontrunner to direct Fifty Shades Darker, the sequel to Universal's saucy blockbuster," Deadline said. "Foley, who was among a small group of filmmakers in contention-Electrick Children's Rebecca Thomas, Mark Pellington and Hysteria's Tanya Wexler were others the studio liked-is an intriguing choice."
With his "proven track record for getting performances out of his casts," it sounds like audiences will be in for a different, and probably critic-pleasing, movie adaptation of the trilogy in 2017.
Author Approved
James will have more control over the film as her husband will reportedly handle the script-writing duties. It looks like the "Fifty Shades" that fans of the book know and love may still be translated on screen in accordance to the author's vision.
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