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Fifty Shades Darker is an upcoming American erotic romantic drama film directed by James Foley and written by Niall Leonard, based on a novel of same name by British author E. L. James. It is the second film in the Fifty Shades film series, and a sequel to 2015 film Fifty Shades of Grey. The film stars Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey.

Principal photography on Fifty Shades Darker and its sequel Fifty Shades Freed began on February 9, 2016, in Paris and Vancouver. It is set to be released on February 10, 2017.

A film adaptation of the first book was produced by Focus Features,[1] Michael De Luca Productions, and Trigger Street Productions,with Universal Pictures and Focus Features securing the rights to the trilogy in March 2012. Universal is also the films distributor. In March 2014, the producer for the first film, Dana Brunetti, had said there were, as of then, no solid plans to make a sequel. The first book of the series was adapted into a film by the same name and released on February 13, 2015. Before the first film premiered, there was still high anticipation from fans for the sequel to the film. After the first film premiered at a special fan screening in New York City on February 6, director Sam Taylor-Johnson announced that the book sequels Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed will also be adapted, with the first to be released in 2016. Right after the announcement, the director was telling Digital Spy that "its not my decision, and I havent been privy to any of the discussions."

On March 25, 2015, Taylor-Johnson officially left the franchise. On April 2, 2015, Deadline confirmed that De Luca had left Sony Pictures to return to Universal to produce the Fifty Shades sequels. It was later revealed that Taylor-Johnson would not return to direct the sequel. On April 22, 2015, it was announced that E.L. James husband, Niall Leonard, would write the script for the sequel. In April 2015, Universal Pictures Chair Donna Langley told The Hollywood Reporter that the second installment will be "more of a thriller." In July 2015, it was confirmed that singer Rita Ora would be returning for the sequel to portray her role of Mia Grey. On August 20, 2015, it was revealed by Deadline that James Foley was the front-runner to direct the sequel and third film Fifty Shades Freed, while the studio was also eyeing some other directors including Rebecca Thomas, Mark Pellington, and Tanya Wexler, and talks with Foley had not yet begun. On November 12, 2015, TheWrap confirmed that Foley would direct both sequels which would be shot back-to-back in 2016, with Michael De Luca and Brunetti returning to produce along with E.L. James.Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan also would return for the sequels.

On January 28, 2016, Kim Basinger joined the film to play the role of Elena Lincoln, Greys business partner and former lover, while Luke Grimes, Eloise Mumford and Max Martini would be returning for the sequel. On February 5, Bella Heathcote was cast as Leila, one of Greys former submissives. In the same month, Eric Johnson was cast to play Jack Hyde. On February 18, 2016, Robinne Lee and Fay Masterson joined the films cast. On February 26, 2016, Tyler Hoechlin was cast in the film to play Boyce Fox. On April 7, 2016, it was reported that Hugh Dancy had joined the film to play Dr. John Flynn, Greys psychiatrist.

Principal photography was set to begin in Vancouver in June 2015. However, it was later postponed due to delays in the script being written.It was later confirmed that filming would begin in February 2016 in Vancouver, while the studio North Shore Studios was booked for the film.In November 2015, Universal Studios announced that both films would be shot back-to-back with principal photography scheduled to commence in early 2016. Filming began in Paris and Vancouver from February 9, 2016, to July 12, 2016, under the working title, "Further Adventures of Max and Banks 2 & 3." Principal photography concluded on April 11, 2016.

Cast:

Dakota Johnson as Anastasia "Ana" Steele

Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey

Kim Basinger as Elena Lincoln

Luke Grimes as Elliot Grey

Eloise Mumford as Katherine "Kate" Kavanagh

Eric Johnson as Jack Hyde

Bella Heathcote as Leila Williams

Jennifer Ehle as Carla Wilks

Marcia Gay Harden as Grace Trevelyan-Grey

Max Martini as Jason Taylor

Rita Ora as Mia Grey

Victor Rasuk as José Rodriguez

Robinne Lee as Ros Bailey

Fay Masterson as Gail Jones

Brant Daugherty as Luke Sawyer

Tyler Hoechlin as Boyce Fox

Hugh Dancy as Dr. John Flynn

On September 15, 2016, Universal released the first official trailer. The trailer amassed an unprecedented 114 million views in its first 24 hours from various digital platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. It received more than 2.5 million views on the films official Facebook page. Over 39.4 million views came from North America, while 74.6 million views came from over 32 international markets, including the U.K., Mexico and France. This broke the previous record held by Star Wars The Force Awakens when it racked up 112 million views in the same amount of time in October 2015.

Fifty Shades Darker is scheduled to be released on February 10, 2017, by Universal Pictures.