The much-hyped '50 Shades of Grey' opened around the landmark date earlier this year, and it's been revealed that Universal Pictures will try to top the first film's record-breaking success by releasing sequel '50 Shades Darker' on February 10, 2017, while '50 Shades Freed' is making its box office debut on February 9, 2018.

The new movies will see Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan reprise their roles from '50 Shades of Grey', but a new creative team will have to be assembled after Sam Taylor-Johnson recently announced she will not be returning to direct the second film in the franchise.

Earlier this week, Sam revealed she was ''flattered'' to be asked to return for the second film in the series, but admitted she didn't have the motivation to direct '50 Shades Darker'.

Sam told BANG Showbiz: ''I'm flattered they wanted me to continue. But it was a monumental job - that was enough for me.''

Sam also passed on her best wishes to the next director.

She explained: ''I couldn't really have ever expected [such a big reaction] after working in a small, dark room for almost a year editing.

''I wish them all the luck in the world.''