‘Fifty Shades Darker’ Update: James Foley to Direct the Erotica Flick?

"Fifty Shades Darker" is one step closer to finding a director.

The latest rumors are reporting that James Foley is the favorite to direct the erotica sequel to "Fifty Shades of Grey," according to Deadline. Foley is also rumored to be in talks to direct the final movie in the franchise - "Fifty Shades Freed" - based from E.L. James' book series with the same titles.

If chosen, Foley will be working with the scripts written James' husband, Niall Leonard and returning actors, Jamie Dornan, who plays Christian Grey and Dakota Johnson, who plays Anastasia Steele. Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti are producing.

Deadline added that the studio will start the negotiation process very soon.

"Fifty Shades of Grey" was directed by Sam Taylor Johnson, who departed from the franchise despite the movie's success in the box office. The film brought in $569 million and it cost only $40 million to make. However, Johnson reportedly was butting heads with James, who had several different ideas for the movie adaption.

Foley is known for his work on Netflix's original series, "House of Cards," "Hannibal" and "Wayward Pines."

Production for the film is expected to start early next year. There have been rumors of a delay due to Dornan. However, there have been no official word on whether or not the movie is getting pushed back. In the meantime, if the movie follows the general plotline from the book, the studio still has to cast several key characters, such as Jack Hyde, Elena Lincoln and Leila Williams.

"Fifty Shades Darker" is set to hit theaters on Feb. 10, 2017.