Sam Taylor-Johnson is out of Fifty Shades Darker

Looks like Fifty Shades Darker isn't going to make that Valentines Day 2016 date that many hoped it would. Rumors have been swirling since the first picture Fifty Shades of Grey  was released that there would be people not returning to the sequel, from screen writer Kelly Marcel who originally adapted the novel (she won't be returning) to leading man Mr. Christian Grey himself, Jamie Dornan (he will be returning).

One additional non returner that has been speculated since the beginning was that director Sam Taylor-Johnson would not be returning, and now Variety confirms it. Taylor-Johnson has been vocal about the toxic relationship that she and author E.L. James had during the filming of Fifty Shades of Grey.

And with Marcel not returning, E.L. James is reportedly interested in adapting the second novel herself.

Universal has not announced a replacement screen writer, or director at this time. Filming is not expected to start until early next year, 2016. No release date has been given for Fifty Shades Darker.