“Fifty Shades Darker” Cast Update: Dakota Johnson Hints that Production will Start Next Year

"Fifty Shades Darker," the sequel to "Fifty Shades of Grey" will start production soon even though there is still no director attached to the movie. Actress Dakota Johnson, who played the female lead, Anastasia Steele, in the first movie based from E.L. James' bestselling novel, has confirmed her return to the second movie.

"I'm not sure I'm allowed to say, but it's happening and I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the cast again and the crew. We had such a wonderful family and I mean, obviously it was a bonding experience to shoot this movie," the 25-year-old actress revealed according to Madrid's El País.

The Spanish publication is also claiming that the movie will start production at the beginning of the year.

Johnson's co-star, Jamie Dornan, who plays the male lead, billionaire businessman, Christian Grey, is set to return as well. Their contract details, however, have not been revealed. Rumors claimed that both stars asked for a significantly larger salary, especially after "Fifty Shades of Grey" grossed more than $560 million worldwide.

There were also reports that Dornan was offered more than $1 million to go full frontal in the second installment of the romantic, BDSM movie. The third and final movie, "Fifty Shades Freed" has also been confirmed.

Rita Ora, who played Grey's sister and Eloise Mumford, who played Steele's roommate and best friend, Kate, are rumored to be returning.

The movie, however, has not casted Jack Hyde, Steele's boss and Elena Lincoln/ Mrs. Robinson, who was Grey's dominant. Rumors are claiming that Henry Cavill and Charlize Theron are the favorites to land these roles. Model turned actress Cara Delevinge has also been linked to the role as Leila Williams, one of Grey's former submissives.

"Fifty Shades Darker" will be released on Valentine's Day in 2017.