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Sam Taylor-Johnson to direct Fifty Shades movie
Visual artist-turned-director nabs job from Hollywood heavyweights
Sam Taylor-Johnson has been signed up to direct the movie adaptation of 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.
The British visual artist-turned-director beat a number of high profile Hollywood names, with rumours that Gus Van Sant and Joe Wright were also in the running.
Producer Michael De Luca said: “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.”
[Van Sant pitches test sex scene for 50 Shades job]
'Black Swan' helmsman Darren Aronofsky had apparently been offered the job a month ago, but passed.
Meanwhile, Van Sant was so keen to bag the film that he filmed test scenes in his own time to show producers, with actor Alex Pettyfer.
Taylor-Johnson is best known for her film 'Nowhere Boy', which told the story of the adolescent John Lennon, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who she would later marry.
Coincidentally, 'Kick-Ass' star Taylor-Johnson was at one point in the running to play the role of Christian Grey in the film.
“I am excited to be charged with the evolution of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' from page to screen,” said the director.
[Atonement director for 50 Shades?]
“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.”
There's no word yet on who will play the billionaire businessman Grey and his student lover Anastasia, though the latest linked to the latter role is British actress Felicity Jones.
The likes of Mila Kunis, Elizabeth Olson and Emma Watson have all been rumoured for the part previously, though all have denied any involvement.
E.L. James' controversial book has sold over 70 million copies in 37 countries since its release in 2011.
There is as yet no release date, but Focus Features and Universal also has the rights to the book's sequels, 'Fifty Shades Darker' and 'Fifty Shades Freed', meaning there could be a potential trilogy in the offing.
