Director quits Fifty Shades of Grey franchise

Sam Taylor-Johnson, who directed the first instalment of the erotic romantic drama Fifty Shades of Grey, has confirmed her exit from the franchise. “Directing Fifty Shades of Grey has been an intense and incredible journey for which I am hugely grateful. I have Universal to thank for that. I forged close and lasting relationships with the cast, producers and crew and most especially, with Dakota and Jamie. While I will not be returning to direct the sequels, I wish nothing but success to whosoever takes on the exciting challenges of films two and three,” she said. Taylor-Johnson’s departure from the film’s upcoming follow-ups, is reportedly due to the fact that she had a tough time with writer EL James while filming.