‘Fifty Shades Darker:’ First Look at Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey in Sequel

Fans of "Fifty Greys of Shades" got a sneak peak look at Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey in the highly anticipated sequel, "Fifty Shades Darker."

In the picture, Grey appears to be putting on a black mask.

After months of speculations about whether or not the sequels will be ordered, Universal Studios announced the actual release dates for both sequels on Thursday.

"Fifty Shades Darker" will open on Feb. 10, 2017. "Fifty Shades Freed," the final chapter in this trilogy, will be released on Feb. 9, 2018. Production is expected to start next summer in Vancouver.

"We're making this a Valentine's Day event," said Universal Pictures chair Donna Langley at CinemaCon.

The sequels that follow the romance between Grey and recent college graduate, Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson, will be written by Niall Leonard. Leonard is the husband of author E.L. James, who wrote the BDSM romance book series. The producers will be Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca.

Universal has not announced who will direct the film. Sam Taylor-Johnson, the director of "Fifty Shades of Grey," departed from the project last month. There were rumors that Taylor-Johnson and James had many creative differences on how to adapt the book onto the big screen.

Although Dornan and Johnson are attached to the two upcoming projects, the details of their new contracts have not been released. Rumors claimed that the lead actors were seeking a huge pay raise, especially since the movie did so well in the box office.

British singer Rita Ora will reportedly reprise her role as Grey's sister, Mia. Rumors have surfaced that Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron is being eyed for the role as Elena Lincoln, Grey's sexual dominant from his past.

"Fifty Shades of Grey" opened over Valentine's Day weekend and has grossed more than $500 million worldwide.