Sam Taylor-Johnson to direct Fifty Shades Of Grey

Fifty Shades Of Grey has found itself a director, with the erotic saga set to be curated by Nowhere Boy helmer Sam Taylor-Johnson.

Ongoing rumours surrounding the project had either Gus Van Sant or Joe Wright as the frontrunner for the position, but an official press release has announced Taylor-Johnson as the film's director.

"Sam’s unique ability to gracefully showcase complex relationships dealing with love, emotion and sexual chemistry make her the ideal director to bring Christian and Anastasia’s relationship to life," said producer Michael De Luca in the official blurb.

"E L James’ characters and vivid storytelling require a director who is willing to take risks and push the envelope where needed and Sam is a natural fit."

In addition to Taylor-Johnson's appointment, rumour has it that Felicity Jones is in the frame to play bondage-happy heroine Anastasia Steele, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Sam's husband) had previously been linked to the part of Christian Grey.

The latter of those two prospects had been thought to have been no more than hearsay, but with Taylor-Johnson now behind the camera, expect that rumour to rear its head again soon...

And with a director in place, it surely won't be too long before the casting of the leads is confirmed, and the rumour mill can finally stop churning out names.