By May 9, 2013, the studio was considering Joe Wright to direct, but this proved unworkable due to Wright’s schedule. Other directors who had been under consideration included Patty Jenkins, Bill Condon, Bennett Miller, and Steven Soderbergh.

In June 2013, E. L. James announced Sam Taylor-Johnson would direct the film adaptation.

9½ Weeks, Last Tango in Paris and Blue Is the Warmest Color were all cited as inspirations for the film by Taylor-Johnson.