'Fifty Shades of Grey' Sequel News: Director Quits After Row with Book Author E.L. James

The people behind "Fifty Shades of Grey" will have to find a new director for the hit film series.

Director Sam Taylor-Johnson has turned down an offer for her to return as director of the movie's first sequel, "Fifty Shades Darker."

"Directing Fifty Shades of Grey has been an intense and incredible journey for which I am hugely grateful. I have Universal to thank for that," Taylor-Johnson said in a statement.

"While I will not be returning to direct the sequels, I wish nothing but success to whosoever takes on the exciting challenges of films two and three," she added, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Taylor-Johnson had to cut certain scenes from the book for the adaptation of "Fifty Shades of Grey" written by British author E.L. James, who she reportedly had creative differences with.

Her constant arguments with James over the direction of the film during its production forced Taylor-Johnson to reconsider her options, Variety reported.

Like Taylor-Johnson, screenwriter Kelly Marcel is also not returning for the first sequel.

With lead actors Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson reportedly still negotiating their deals to star in the next film, Universal will now have to find a new director and writer for the next installment in the franchise.

Variety first broke the news that James is very interested in adapting her second book herself and that Universal is considering it.

"Sources say production is expected to get under way in the first quarter of 2016 with stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson on board to return," Variety said.

Since opening on Valentine's Day weekend, "Fifty Shades of Grey" has become a worldwide hit, grossing $558 million worldwide and $164 million domestically.