Book agents aren't the only ones rabid for racy sexual material a la EL James' "Fifty Shades of Grey" trilogy. Vince Vaughn is developing the book "I Was a Teenage Dominatrix" for FX, and Showtime's mulling over "The Box," based on the real-life experiences of famed Mistress Raven.
Fifty Shades of Grey has found its producers.
Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti, who collaborated on the Oscar-nominated hit The Social Network, will reteam on an adaptation of the racy best-selling novel by E. L. James, Universal Pictures and Focus Features said Monday.
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Universal and Focus nabbed rights to the mega-selling Fifty Shades trilogy for $5 million in March after a heated Hollywood bidding war. The books, about a torrid love affair between a college student and a mysterious billionaire, have sold 31 million e-book and print copies worldwide.
“At its core, Fifty Shades of Grey is a complex love story, requiring a delicate and sophisticated hand to bring it to the big screen,” said Universal co-chairman Donna Langley in a statement. “Mike and Dana’s credits more than exemplify what we need in creative partners, and we’re glad to have them as part of our team.”
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Both producers are known for their work on book adaptations. De Luca and Brunetti collaborated with producer Scott Rudin on Social Network, based on the nonfiction book The Accidental Billionaires. De Luca also produced last year’s hit baseball movie Moneyball. Brunetti and De Luca currently are collaborating with Rudin on Captain Phillips, the true story of a cargo ship captain held hostage by Somali pirates and rescued by Navy SEALs. The movie is being directed by Paul Greengrass and stars Tom Hanks.
“Michael De Luca is a dream producer, whose combination of vision, taste and fearlessness is the perfect match for Fifty Shades of Grey,” said Focus’ CEO James Schamus.
Added James: “I am thrilled that Mike has joined Team Fifty. He brings a passion for and in-depth understanding of the characters and story and a wealth of experience in making quality films.”
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