‘Fifty Shades Darker’ Movie News: Dakota Johnson Gives Filming Update

Need more Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in your life? Join the “Fifty Shades of Grey” club! The movie based off of E.L. James’ erotic novel made a splash when it hit theaters in February, and fans can’t wait for the second installment, “Fifty Shades Darker,” to come to the big screen. Unfortunately, there is still quite a wait.

It was previously revealed that the sequel to Christian and Anastasia’s love story wouldn’t be released until Feb. 10, 2017. However, while appearing on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” star Dakota Johnson gave an update, explaining that fans can look forward to watching the cast begin filming … soon.

“We start sometime in the New Year,” Johnson revealed to DeGeneres on Thursday.

The first movie was filmed on the streets in Vancouver, as well as North Shore Studios, which is also located in the British Columbia city. Although unconfirmed, it is expected that the cast will return to the area in 2016.

“Fifty Shades Darker” hit a bit of a rough patch when Sam Taylor-Johnson, the director of the first film, left shortly after the premiere. Although there were rumors of creative differences on set between Taylor-Johnson and author E.L. James, Taylor-Johnson chose not to address the feud reports when she announced her departure.

“While I will not be returning to direct the sequels, I wish nothing but success to whoever takes on the exciting challenges of films two and three,” she said in a statement in March.

Since then, “House of Cards” director James Foley has been tapped to direct “Fifty Shades Darker,” a project that he’s excited about.

“I love it,” he told “The Moment” podcast host Brian Koppelman earlier this week. “It’s what I want at this moment. And I have found a comfortable relationship with the author of the books, who’s the big cheese in the production of stuff. I like [E.L. James] … The idea that there is a kind of communal sexual dynamic which is appreciated across a lot of cultures is what fascinates me the most.”

Foley continued that he’s “very energized” to create something that not only matches his fantasies, but the fantasies of fans as well.

So far the director revealed that he has met in person with Dakota Johnson and Skyped with her co-star Jamie Dornan. He added that he feels “sympatico” with the actors and is looking forward to “transcending the first movie” with a project that will be both art and entertainment.