FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Screenwriter Shortlist Down to Four Contenders

Universal Pictures is moving forward with an adaptation of the widely popular, erotic thriller written by British author E. L. James. Fifty Shades of Grey and it's two sequel novels have topped best-seller lists in the United Kingdom, United States, and around the world, selling over 31 million copies worldwide.

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Since the announcement that the best selling trilogy of novels would be receiving feature film treatments starting with Fifty Shades of Grey, rumors have abounded about possible casting choices. Emma Watson, Ashley Benson, Lucy Hale Chris Pine, Alexander Skarsgård and Matt Bomer have all been linked as candidates for the film's leads, but all the rumors were recently laid to rest by producers who confirmed that a writer and director had to be chosen before casting took place.

The latest report regarding the project's development has revealed Dan Fogelman (Crazy, Stupid, Love), Karen Croner (Admission), Veena Sud (The Killing) and Kelly Marcel (Saving Mr. Banks) as the top four contenders to pen the script. No directorial candidates have been linked at this time.

Fifty Shades of Grey is being produced by Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti.