Fifty Shades Darker: EL James may direct the erotic film; 'research' on for BDSM-themed sequel says producer

Even as the premiere of Fifty Shades Darker is two years away, controversies and rumours continue to bring the erotic movie franchise in the limelight.

Fifty Shades of Grey director Sam Taylor-Johnson left the popular movie series after directing the first part of the trilogy, which was an instant hit.

Now, rumours suggest that author EL James wants to direct the movie with Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson as the lead.

James has reportedly asked the producers to let her direct the sequel, however they are reportedly apprehensive about doing so.

"They are hesitant in putting E.L. James in that position," a source told Hollywood Life. "She wants to do it, but the studio obviously sees the nightmares that could come from that."

Back in March, Taylor-Johnson had announced her exit from the erotic movie franchise saying: "[It] has been an intense and incredible journey for which I am hugely grateful. I have Universal to thank for that. I forged close and lasting relationships with the cast producers and most especially, with Dakota [Johnson] and Jamie [Dornan]."

Universal Pictures has already hired Niall Leonard, James' husband, to write the script for the upcoming movie which will be more of a thriller than an evolving love story.

Meanwhile, producer Dana Brunetti tweeted some pictures and teased that they have started "research" for the upcoming movie.

The BDSM-themed movie narrates the life of handsome billionaire Christian Grey and a naive college student Anastasia Steele, who indulge in kinky sexual activities.

Fifty Shades Darker will follow the life of Ana and Christian as they try to bury their differences and reunite. The mask will play a major part in the upcoming movie, as many secrets from Christian's dark past will be revealed.