50 Shades sequel will be written by E.L. James husband

It seems that the sequel to 50 Shades Of Grey will be getting a new writer, but the script won’t be penned by E.L. James, as had first been rumoured. Instead, it will be written by her husband.

The author of the original series of books is married to Niall Leonard, an author and screenwriter in his own right, who THR reports has been tapped to adapt 50 Shades Darker for the big screen. Leonard’s most prominent work has previously come in the form of UK TV series Air Force One Is Down and Wire In The Blood.

James famously clashed with both Sam Taylor-Johnson and writer Kelly Marcel during production of the first film, with Leonard having apparently done some uncredited work on the screenplay. Unsurprisingly, neither Marcel nor Taylor-Johnson will be returning for a second round.

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson are both expected to return for the sequel, although both are said to be negotiating hard for improved salaries. The film is slated to arrive at some point in 2017, but no specific release date has been confirmed as yet.

For more great movie news, subscribe to Total Film.