Sam Taylor-Johnson to direct “Fifty Shades of Grey” for Universal

PanARMENIAN.Net - Sam Taylor-Johnson has signed on to direct "Fifty Shades of Grey" for Universal Pictures and Focus Features, TheWrap said citing Deadline.

Taylor-Johnson is the wife of "Kick-Ass" star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who played a young John Lennon in her directorial debut "Nowhere Boy."

While Sam Taylor-Johnson's hiring immediately prompts speculation that her husband will be considered for the role of Christian Grey, TheWrap has heard that he is not expected to pursue the role.

Taylor-Johnson and writer Kelly Marcel are both British, and in keeping with that theme, Felicity Jones is the actress that TheWrap has heard rumored most often for the role of virginal protagonist Anastasia Steele.

However, due to the extreme sexual nature of the material, it's possible that the filmmakers could cast an unknown as Anastasia rather than an established actress who would have to consent to appearing nude.

An individual familiar with the project has told TheWrap that director Darren Aronofsky was offered "Fifty Shades of Grey" a month ago and passed on the project, as he's still putting the finishing touches on his Biblical movie "Noah."

Gus Van Sant chased the coveted gig, going so far as to shoot a test reel featuring Alex Pettyfer as Christian, but Universal and Focus wanted to go with a younger, edgier and more importantly, female director.