It has been confirmed that box-office director Sam Taylor-Johnson will no longer return to direct "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie sequel or any other films in the franchise thereof.
"Directing Fifty Shades Of Grey has been an intense and incredible journey for which I am hugely grateful," the 48-year-old director said in an official statement exclusively sent to Deadline.
"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."
Rumors involving her exit points to an alleged feud with the novel's author E.L. James.
"Sam won't be back for the 'Fifty Shades' sequels. She wants out and Universal knows that's the right decision," a supposed "senior film insider" revealed to The Sun.
"Her relationship with Erika has become absolutely toxic - they despise each other and blame each other for the problems with the film."
Reportedly, James' desire to gain more control over "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie "made life on set completely impossible for Sam."
The two reportedly clashed over "the sex scenes in the film." James allegedly wanted Sam "to be loyal to the book and much more explicit."
"But Sam pushed back because she wanted the movie to be more than just a collection of S&M scenes."
"Directors usually have the ultimate control over what goes on in a movie, but in this case Erica was questioning literally the most minor things," the source further explained.
"She was able to have the final say over the cast, the costumes and, crucially, the script. They're both very powerful and assured women so there was clash after clash after clash."
Furthermore, male lead star, Jamie Dornan, who effectively portrayed the role of Christian Grey, has also been rumored to have exited "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequel.
While there has been no reported row between Dornan and E.L. James, the 32-year-old Irish actor's wife, Amelia Warner, reportedly wants her husband to leave the franchise despite its box office success.
While some are dismayed with the rumor going around, some see it as a reason to improve the sequel, given that the first film received bad reviews from crtics. Dornan's alleged replacement will be beneficial to the franchise, said some fans.
Moviepilot reported that Warner, who is also an actress, is not comfortable with her husband playing Christian Grey, it reportedly disgussed her.
However the news is reportedly not true as representative of Jamie Dornan told ABC News that he'll be back in "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie sequel.
"Jamie is delighted that the film is breaking box office records worldwide and whilst the studio has not made any formal announcements about sequels, he is looking forward to making the next film," the representative said.
Fortunately for Universal, they would just have to find Sam Taylor-Johnson's replacement for "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie sequel instead of losing Jamie Dornan as well.
