Cars writer up for 50 Shades of Grey

The writer of kid's animation films 'Cars', 'Cars 2', 'Bolt' and 'Tangled' is reportedly in the running to write the film version of erotic novel '50 Shades of Grey'.

Dan Fogelman is said to be among those on a slightly odd list of potential writers drawn up by 'The Social Network' producers Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti, who acquired the rights to bring E.L. James' controversial best-selling hit to the big screen.

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Also among those being courted to pen the screenplay are Veena Sud, who adapted Danish drama 'The Killing' for US TV, and Kelly Marcel, who co-created cancelled Spielberg sci-fi 'Terra Nova'.

It comes after 'American Psycho' novelist Brett Easton Ellis expressed interest in the project.

Ellis tweeted his disappointment at not making the shortlist yesterday.

“It’s a very major disappointment to announce that I’ve somehow been taken off the list of possible screenwriters for Fifty Shades of Grey,” he said.

“I hope you find someone as passionate as I was about Fifty Shades of Grey. I will miss it. Moving on. Laters, baby…”.

It's not known yet who will take the starring roles. Emma Watson was the most recent to be rumoured as playing Anastasia, but has since denied having been approached.