'FIFTY SHADES' Author Seeking Direct Control of Sequel's Script

There could be a major 'FIFTY SHADES' shakeup when the film's sequels eventually hit theaters.

According to Variety, author E.L. James is seeking direct control over the script of the second entry in the soon-to-be franchise. Kelly Marcel, who adapted the first book for the big screen, will most likely not be returning - the same goes for director Sam Taylor-Johnson. FIFTY SHADES OF GREY is currently out-performing initial estimates at the box office, where it took in over $81 million during its opening weekend.

The news comes just a few weeks after Taylor-Johnson opened up about the difficulties of her creative relationship with James on set.

The adaptation stars Jamie Dornan, Johnson, Jennifer Ehle,Luke Grimes,Victor Rasuk, Eloise Mumford, Max Martini, Rita Ora, Marcia Gay Harden and Callum Keith Rennie.

Fifty Shades of Grey has become a global phenomenon and the trilogy has been translated in over 50 languages worldwide since its release. To date, the "Fifty Shades" trilogy has sold over 70 million copies worldwide in e-book and print, making it one of the fastest-selling book series ever.

"Fifty Shades of Grey" (first published in 2011) follows the relationship of 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey and college student Anastasia Steele. Subsequent novels in the series, "Fifty Shades Darker" (2011) and "Fifty Shades Freed" (2012) explore the couple's deepening relationship.