Update: Joe Wright is now out of the mix due to scheduling issues, according to Deadline. See the original story below as Universal continues their director search.
For what could have easily been a trashy, low-rent adaptation fitting of the source material, we have to applaud Focus Features for aiming high when it comes to their options for who will be behind the camera for Fifty Shades of Grey. We recently heard that Gus van Sant was gunning for the gig to adapt E.L. James‘ chart-topping novel and now we’ve got news of a front-runner. According to THR, the studio is looking to re-team with the man that gave them Anna Karenina, Hanna, Atonement and Pride & Prejudice.
Sources say that Joe Wright is currently the front-runner for the job, but no deal has been set in place yet. Currently being adapted by Kelly Marcel, we wouldn’t be surprised if this news led to casting rumors that Keira Knightley and/or Saoirse Ronan are involved in some capacity, considering their long-standing relationship with Wright. Aiming for a 2014 release, it seems as though we’ll get official news soon for who will be taking the roles of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, but more importantly, if Wright did indeed get the gig.
Would you like to see Wright direct the film?