‘Fifty Shades Darker’ Movie News Update: Director Chair remains Empty, Stars Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson not Signed on for Spin-off

"Fifty Shades Darker," the sequel to "Fifty Shades of Grey," still does not have a director attached. The movie, which already has a 2017 release date, will feature returning stars Jamie Dornan as billionaire Christian Grey and Dakota Johnson as the love interest, Anastasia Steele.

Although Dornan, 33, and Johnson, 25, will reportedly sign on to this upcoming movie as well as the final movie of the trilogy, "Fifty Shades Freed," they have not been approached about starring in a potential fourth film. Author, E.L. James announced her spinoff book, "Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian," earlier this month. The book will be released on June 18th.

"Neither had any idea that the Grey novel, which would likely serve as the fourth film in the Fifty Shades oeuvre, was in the works," The Hollywood Reporter wrote.

THR added that although Universal Studios have not commented on the possibility of turning the book into a movie, sources are claiming, "a Grey movie is a no-brainer considering the huge box office generated by the first film."

In the meantime, however, the Studio is busy working out a new contract for Dornan and Johnson, who are each reportedly asking for a six-digit paycheck for the next two movies, which will be released on Valentine's Day in 2017 and 2018. There were also rumors that Dornan was offered a bonus worth at least one million if he agrees to go full frontal.

During these contract negotiations, the Studio could approach the stars about a fourth film. The studio can also choose to go a different route and recast the roles for the spinoff.

The actors made roughly $250,000 each for the first film, "Fifty Shades of Grey," which grossed nearly $600 million worldwide, plus tiered box-office bonuses.