Atonement director for 50 Shades?

Joe Wright is reportedly the front-runner to helm the big screen adaptation of E.L. James' best-selling erotic novel '50 Shades of Grey'.

The Hollywood Reporter puts the 'Atonement' and 'Anna Karenina' director in the hot seat, despite a number of other top names showing interest.

[Related story: Van Sant pitches test sex scene for 50 Shades job]

It emerged last week that Gus Van Sant had gone as far as filming a sex scene as test footage with actor Alex Pettyfer to supply to Universal and Focus Features in the hope of getting the job.

Wright has previously worked with Focus Features on many of his films, including 'Atonement', 'Anna Karenina', 'Hanna' and 'Pride & Prejudice'.

British writer Kelly Marcel is adapting the book for the screen, though as yet there's no word on who may star as Anastasia Steele, the ingenue who embarks on a torrid affair with a wealthy older man.

The likes of Mila Kunis and Emma Watson have been linked to the role, but so far all have denied involvement.

Likewise, the male protagonist Christian Grey also remains uncast.

The book, a worldwide smash hit, has sold over 70 million copies.