Fifty Shades of Grey has been given a US release date of August 1, 2014.

EL James’s novel from Kelly Marcel's script will have worldwide release dates confirmed shortly.

Focus Features will handle the US release, while Universal Pictures International will handle other territories.

Author James will produce alongside Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti.

Universal Pictures and Focus Features have also acquired the rights to follow-up books Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.

The lead roles are yet to be cast, though Alexis Bledel, Mila Kunis, Ian Somerhalder and Ryan Gosling have been tipped for the roles of Ana Steele and Christian Grey, among others.