Sorry, Gus Van Sant. Apparently the proof-of-concept scene you shot with Alex Pettyfer did not convince Universal and Focus Features you are the man to direct the feature adaptation Fifty Shades of Grey, because they are still looking. THR reports that Joe Wright (Anna Karenina) has emerged as a frontrunner to direct Fifty Shades. Given its reputation, I am surprised the project is attracting acclaimed directors. But Wright makes sense as a candidate, continuing his relationship with Focus Features after Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, Hanna, and Anna Karenina. Wright has recently been linked to the Neil Gaiman adaptation The Ocean at the End of the Lane and a Houdini biopic.
