Sam Taylor-Johnson to Direct 50 SHADES OF GREY Film Adaptation

The 50 SHADES OF GREY film adaptation has finally found its director.

BAFA nominee Sam Taylor-Johnson (NOWHERE BOY) will helm the steamy Focus Features and Universal project, beating out Gus Van Sant and Joe Wright, according to Deadline.

"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," said producer Michael De Luca. "EL 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."

50 SHADES OF GREY follows the relationship of 27-year-old billionaire ChristIan Grey and college student Anastasia Steele. Subsequent novels in the series, "Fifty Shades Darker" (September 2011) and "Fifty Shades Freed" (January 2012) explore the couple's deepening relationship.

Universal and Focus acquired the rights to the three books in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" Trilogy in March of this year. Focus will market and distribute the first film in partnership with Universal. "Fifty Shades of Grey" has become a global phenomenon and the trilogy has been translated in 45 languages worldwide since its release. In the U.S. alone, the "Fifty Shades" trilogy has sold over 32 million copies in e-book and print making it one of the fastest selling book series ever.

For the original announcement, head on over to Deadline.

Photo of Sam Taylor-Johnson with husband Aaron by Walter McBride

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