Saturday, December 14, 2024

Exclusive: “Fifty Shades” Sequels Will Be Filmed Together, Or Back to Back

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I’m late to the “Fifty Shades” news today– James Foley is directing “Fifty Shades Darker.” He’s probably directing “Fifty Shades Freed.” Foley’s name appeared on trade news websites today.

But I was told two weeks ago that the movies would be made with overlapping productions to save money. This is the way “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” were done as well. It was presumed two weeks ago that the director, who was yet to be named, would do both films and wrap up the trilogy.

“Fifty Shades” made $569 million worldwide when it was released last February. I’ve never read these “books” (I tried the first but you needed two years of contract law to get through it). I’m told “Darker” will be more a thriller than a sex romp.

Foley, a respected film director, lately directed many episodes of “House of Cards.” The show and the “Shades” share a producer, Dana Brunetti, if you’re wondering how Foley made the cross over.

Foley should know about S&M. He was best man at the wedding of Sean (Penn) and Madonna.

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

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