Kim Basinger Cast In Fifty Shades Sequel

Kim Basinger has been announced as the first new cast member for the second film in the Fifty Shades Of Grey series.

The actress will play Elena Lincoln, Christian Grey's business partner and former lover, in Fifty Shades Darker.

Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan will reprise their roles as Anastasia Steele and Grey for the second film.

However, British director Sam Taylor-Johnson has left the franchise and has been replaced by James Foley.

The first film, adapted from EL James' trilogy, made over $570m at the box office but was slammed by critics for its poor script.

James confirmed Basinger's casting in a tweet which said "Here you go" and included a link to a story on Variety's website.

Universal is reported to be planning to shoot Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed back-to-back.

Fifty Shades Darker is expected to be released on 10 February, 2017.

Basinger, 62, will next be seen in comedy caper Nice Guys with Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe which is in cinemas in May.