Sam Taylor-Johnson is bringing another controversial, best-selling book to the big screen. The “Fifty Shades of Grey” director is working on an adaptation of James Frey’s “A Million Little Pieces,” The Hollywood Reporter confirms. She’s collaborating on the project with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, her husband and the star of her 2009 feature debut, “Nowhere Boy.” She’ll direct and he’ll topline the film.
The literary sensation, originally touted as a memoir, follows Frey’s account of addiction, rehab, and sobriety.
“The 2003 book was once one of the hottest properties in town but became radioactive after Frey was exposed for inventing or embellishing parts of the story,” THR details. Before Frey’s lies and exaggerations were revealed, Warner secured the rights to the story in a bidding war, but “CAA has been negotiating the release of the rights from Warners, and the package is expected to be launched at the upcoming American Film Market.”
Taylor-Johnson most recently directed episodes of Netflix’s “Gypsy,” starring two-time Oscar nominee Naomi Watts. The drama about a psychotherapist with boundary issues was cancelled after one season.
“Fifty Shades of Grey” is one of the highest-grossing films ever directed by a woman. The BDSM romance took home over $571 million worldwide.
