Entertainment

E.L. James's husband to pen Fifty Shades of Grey script for sequel

The husband of E L James, Niall Leonard, will write the script for the follow-up to the global hit, Universal Pictures confirmed Thursday, after screenwriter Kelly Marcel dropped out.

Niall Leonard has written for several British TV shows, including Air Force One Is Down

Author E. L. James and husband Niall Leonard attend the UK Premiere of Fifty Shades Of Grey at Odeon Leicester Square on Feb. 12 in London. Leonard, a longtime TV writer, has signed on to write the film's sequel after screenwriter Kelly Marcel dropped out. (Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

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 US worldwide.

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