'50 Shades of Grey' Gets a Director

After months of speculation, the highly anticipated film adaptation of E. L. James' massive hit 50 Shades of Grey has a confirmed director -- Sam Taylor-Johnson, best known for directing 2009's Nowhere Boy.

"I'm delighted & thrilled to let you guys know that Sam Taylor-Johnson has agreed to direct the film of Fifty Shades of Grey," E.L. James just tweeted.

Pics: '50 Shades of Grey' Dream Casting

The choice is sure to please plenty of 50 Shades fans given that Taylor-Johnson will presumably faithfully adapt the novel from a woman's perspective. Previous reports had everyone from Angelina Jolie to Gus Van Sant gunning to direct the story of the innocent Anastasia Steele, who falls for the super-wealthy and successful Christian Grey -- who has plenty of deep-seated issues the couple must work through throughout the trilogy.

Taylor-Johnson, 46, is married to Kick Ass star Aaron Johnson, 23, who starred in Nowhere Boy. The pair have two daughters together.

Related: Alex Pettyfer Shoots '50 Shades' Test Scene

With a director in place, all that's missing is a cast! Who do you think should play Anastasia and Christian?

UPDATE: The film's release date is set for August 1, 2014.