Fifty Shades of Grey

In early 2012, it was announced that there was professional interest in a film production of the Fifty Shades trilogy. Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Paramount, Universal Pictures, as well as Mark Wahlberg's production company all put in bids for the film rights, with Universal Pictures and Focus Features eventually securing the rights to the trilogy in March 2012. Author James sought to retain some control during the movie's creative process. The Social Network producers Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti signed on to produce the film, having been hand-picked by E. L. James. American Psycho writer Bret Easton Ellis has also publicly expressed his desire to write the screenplay for the film. Kelly Marcel will write the screenplay. In February 2013, Universal chairman Adam Fogelson told The Hollywood Reporter about the release: "It's conceivable that we could be ready to release it as early as next summer."

In June 2012, it was reported that Angelina Jolie was interested in directing the film and was currently in talks to direct the adaptation. In April 2013, it was reported that director Gus Van Sant had shot a scene with Alex Pettyfer as Christian Grey serving as a screen test for the studios. On May 9, 2013, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Joe Wright was also considered as director. However, a few days later Mike Fleming from Deadline.com reported that Wright's schedule would not allow him to work on the film. Other directors who have been mentioned for the job are Patty Jenkins, Bill Condon, and Bennett Miller. At one point, Steven Soderbergh was also considered. In June 2013, E.L. James announced that Sam Taylor-Wood would direct the film adaptation.

Casting
Although no official announcement regarding the cast has been made, E. L. James said casting Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart would be "strange", "weird". Many actors such as Ian Somerhalder, Matt Bomer, Ryan Gosling, and Henry Cavill have been rumored to be top contenders for the role of Christian Grey and are often mentioned by fans. Eddie Redmayne and Ed Westwick have also been mentioned. Additionally, Alexander Skarsgard and Chace Crawford have expressed interest in the part while Jake Gyllenhall and James Franco said they would consider it. Michael Fassbender denied the possibility of him portraying Grey, and so did Armie Hammer.

Several actresses have also been rumored for the part Anastasia including Alexis Bledel, Emilia Clarke, Shailene Woodley, Emma Roberts, and Felicity Jones. Other actresses such as Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ashley Benson,  Lucy Hale, Katie Cassidy and Krysten Ritter Aubrey Plaza,[93] have all expressed interest in the role. Elizabeth Olsen, Emma Watson, and Mila Kunis who were rumored to be attached to the role have denied their involvement in the film. On June 27, 2013, it was announced the film will be released August 1, 2014.