'Fifty Shades of Grey' Sequel Delayed? Director In Place But Film Still Not Moving Forward ['Fifty Shades Darker' Trailer, Release Date & Cast Update]

Following the departure of Sam Taylor-Johnson, James Foley has been the selected to helm the "Fifty Shades of Grey' sequel but production remains at a standstill.

According to News Everyday, while the two lead stars are confirmed to return and a director has been identified, it appears there is no casting director which means no other actors have been cast.

"We're nowhere near casting. We haven't gotten into anything like that. We don't even have a casting director on it yet," said Dana Brunetti, per the publication. The casting director carries the crucial responsibility of determining the criteria of characters as well as selecting actors to fill the roles of key characters in upcoming films.

Some of the roles that need to be cast in the upcoming film "Fifty Shades Darker" include Jack Hyde, Elena Lincoln/Mrs. Robinson and Leila Williams. Many big names have been linked to the roles, which include Henry Cavill, Ian Somerhalder, Cara Delevingne and many more.

"Fifty Shades Darker" News and Rumors

One of the biggest rumors surrounding the highly anticipated sequel is the speculated full-frontal of actor Jamie Dornan, who stars as Christian Grey in the film.

The Inquisitr reports that the Northern Irish actor may still bear all in the second installment of the popular trilogy.

Fans were said to be disappointed with the lack of sexual intimacy in the film and reports: "With Dornan set to reprise his role as the ultra-rich Christian Grey in Fifty Shades Darker, some have speculated that filmmakers will be ramping things up in the sex department for Fifty Shades Darker in order to please the fan base."

There are reports circulating that Dornan was apparently offered $1.5 million to appear in his birthday suit. While there is no official confirmation on the reports, in a separate article, News Everyday does put forth that with Foley being the new director, a man helming the film may make it racier than its predecessor.

Jaime Dornan is set to reprise his role as the erotic billionaire across his gorgeous "Fifty Shades of Grey" co-star Dakota Johnson. In addition, Eloise Mumford has confirmed her return to the franchise as well.

"Fifty Shades Darker" -- the film adaptation based on the second book of E.L James' "Fifty Shades of Grey" trilogy -- is expected to start production in the coming months and the film will hit theaters on Feb. 10, 2017.

Stay tuned for more news!