Sam Taylor-Johnson Will Not Return For ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ Sequel

“Fifty Shades of Grey” has lost its true master!

After much speculation, director Sam Taylor-Johnson has confirmed she will not return for the sequel, “Fifty Shades Darker.”

Dakota Johnson, Sam Taylor-Johnson and Jamie Dornan on the set of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (Universal)

“Directing ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ 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 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,” the director said in a statement.

PHOTOS: ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ Hunk Jamie Dornan

The director previously revealed that she and author E.L. James “battled all the way through” the making of the first film, which has gone on to make over $500 million worldwide.

“There were tough times and revelatory times,” she told Vanity Fair in February. “There were sparring contests. It was definitely not an easy process, but that doesn’t mean to say that it didn’t come out the right way.”

There is no word on who might replace the director for “Fifty Shades Darker.”

— Jesse Spero

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