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E L James’ husband to pen ‘Fifty Shades’ script for sequel

FILE - In this April 29, 2012 file photo, author E L James holds a copy of her new book "Fifty Shades of Grey" at a book signing in Coral Gables, Fla. A spokeswoman for Universal Pictures confirmed Thursday, April 23, 2015, that the husband of James, Niall Leonard, will write the script for the follow-up to the global hit. Leonard is also a published author. He has written for several British TV shows, including "Air Force One Is Down" and "Wire in the Blood."(AP Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan) FILE - In this April 29, 2012 file photo, author E L James holds a copy of her new book "Fifty Shades of Grey" at a book signing in Coral Gables, Fla. A spokeswoman for Universal Pictures confirmed Thursday, April 23, 2015, that the husband of James, Niall Leonard, will write the script for the follow-up to the global hit. Leonard is also a published author. He has written for several British TV shows, including "Air Force One Is Down" and "Wire in the Blood."(AP Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan)

By Associated Press April 23, 2015 1 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – The “Fifty Shades of Grey” sequel will be a family affair.

A spokeswoman for Universal Pictures confirmed Thursday that the husband of E L James, Niall Leonard, will write the script for the follow-up to the global hit.

Leonard is also a published author. He has written for several British TV shows, including “Air Force One Is Down” and “Wire in the Blood.”

Kelly Marcel penned the original adaptation but isn’t returning. Also not returning is director Sam Taylor-Johnson, whose disputes with James were well-known.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” made $568.8 million worldwide.

The Hollywood Reporter first reported Leonard’s involvement in the sequel.