Director JOE WRIGHT is known for his skillful adaptations of literary classics like “Anna Karenina” and “Pride and Prejudice”, but he’s casting his gaze on an entirely different film this time, namely “50 Shades of Grey”. The news, first announced by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, hasn’t been confirmed yet, but Wright is reportedly the frontrunner for the directorial seat on Focus Features and Universal’s latest project. Some other names reportedly in the mix are other members of the art house genre, such as Bennett Miller (“Capote,” “Moneyball”), Gus Van Sant ("Good Will Hunting," "Milk") and Patty Jenkins (“Monster”).

Additionally, Wright’s go-to lead actress, star of “Atonement” and “Anna Karenina”, Keira Knightly was also reportedly considered for the main part of clean-cut, virginal (initially) college student Anastacial Steele, who enters into a dishy relationship with billionaire Christian Grey. But, then again, so was almost every other actress in Hollywood. Mila Kunis, Kristen Stewart and Nina Dobrev are among the latest actresses rumored for the part. Meanwhile, Knightley has denied any engagement with the project whatsoever. From so many avid denials (Emma Watson, Knightley and a host of others have made it clear they were not interested) it doesn't seem like the project is faring too well. Perhaps with the highbrow director, "Fifty Shades" will have a chance to escape the mommy porn genre. 

Joe Wright, Anna Karenina Premiere
Can Wright bring the prestige of Anna Karenina to 50 Shades?