Director Sam Taylor-Johnson quits '50 Shades' franchise

Washington: So the talks were true after all! ' Fifty Shades of Grey' director Sam Taylor-Johnson will not be returning to helm the franchise.

While talking to US magazine, the 48-year-old filmmaker said that she was grateful to Universal for making her part of the incredible journey, and that she "forged close and lasting relationships with the cast, producers and crew and most especially, with Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan."

She added that she won't be returning to direct the sequels, but wished success to the person who would take the helm for the remaining two films.

The announcement comes after Taylor-Johnson had admitted to having trouble working with the book's author E L James.