Wow, this Fifty Shades of Grey book is really a phenomenon. I can’t go into a bookstore, or even a Target, without seeing it on the shelves. Forget about walking through a Starbucks or a waiting room without catching someone reading it. It seems to be everywhere.

It came as no surprise there was bidding war over E. L. James bestselling trilogy. Universal won the day and is moving forward with a film adaptation. However, James is a smart cookie and part of her contract stipulates producer, director, star and script approval. No one has been selected for any of those key positions, but there have been rumors.

Newest is Angelina Jolie, as director. Apparently Universal was very happy with her directing debut In the Land of Blood and Honey, and they want her to helm Grey.

The only problem is Jolie is working on Maleficent and doesn’t want to be distracted by other projects until she’s finished.

James is on her way back from the U.K. and will be heading to Universal to to choose a producer and writer. Expect announcements to come shortly.

SOURCE: Deadline New York