James Foley has recently emerged as the leading candidate to direct the Fifty Shades sequel, Fifty Shades Darker.

Earlier this year, Fifty Shades of Grey director Sam Taylor Johnson departed the sequel due to creative differences with author E.L. James. Currently the studio is still in search for a new director to helm the sequels and Foley’s name has come into discussion as the frontrunner to direct.

James Foley has been known as a director who draws strong performances from actors. His directing credits include Fear and Glengarry Glenn Ross and TV shows House of Cards and Hannibal.

The scripts for both sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed – have been penned by Niall Leonard, husband to series author James. It is unknown at this point if both sequels will be shot back to back. James, along with Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti will produce the films.

Dakota Johnson and Jamie Doran are signed on to return as the lead characters Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey.

The Fifty Shades sequels are set to be released in 2017 and 2018 respectively.