E.L. James ‘delays Fifty Shades sequel’

E.L. James is reportedly battling with Universal Pictures over the Fifty Shades of Grey sequel.

James became a world-famous author after penning Fifty Shades and the follow-up books, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.

And following the box office success of the first film, plans are now in place for the sequel.

However, things aren’t going smoothly, as James is said to be doing her best to gain more control over the next film.

According to Variety, insiders at Universal Pictures have revealed that James is butting heads with execs at the company over who will pen the screenplay.

The team for the first film included director Sam Taylor-Johnson and screenwriter Kelly Marcel.

But after Taylor-Johnson was less than complimentary about working alongside James, it seems she won’t be returning to direct the follow-up.

Marcel is also not expected to return.

However, a representative for the studio claims that no official decisions have been made.

“The studio had always intended to sit down with the author after the film opened and discuss next steps and that has not yet happened,” a Universal spokesman said, according to the publication.

Due to the negotiations surrounding the sequel, the production on the film isn’t expected to begin until early 2016.

That would mean the picture wouldn’t be released until late 2016 or early 2017.

Speaking previously about James’ involvement in the film, Taylor-Johnson said she found it difficult working alongside the author of the books.

“We disagreed a lot,” she told Variety in January. “She created these characters and the story. I was trying to create a film experience that would honour the book but at the same time give us a fresh perspective. That was difficult for her. We’d battle things out. I think you could say we crossed every scenario through our battles.”