James Foley to direct 'Fifty Shades' sequel

Pic Courtesy: Movie Still

Los Angeles: "House of Cards" director James Foley has been officially confirmed to direct the "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequel.

Two weeks ago the news broke that 40-year-old filmmaker is Universal's top choice for the project, reported Variety.

The production house will soon start the negotiations with with the director. Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson will reprise their roles, with author EL James, Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti producing.

James' husband, Niall Leonard, has penned the script. After Sam Taylor-Johnson, who directed the first film in the trilogy, announced that she would not be returning to lead the project, the studio was in continuous talks with various directors over the past few months.

Production of the film will begin in the first quarter of 2016, with the film set to release in 2017.