"There's something about you. I can't leave you alone. I'm like a moth to a flame," Christian Grey once told Anastasia Steele. In a statement released today, director Sam Taylor-Johnson told the 50 Shades of Grey franchise the opposite. (In a way.)

Taylor-Johnson, who was not particularly quiet about the difficulties she ran into while directing the first installment of 50 Shades of Grey, announced today that she has exited the project. She said in a statement, "Directing Fifty Shades Of Grey has been an intense and incredible journey for which I am hugely grateful."

Taylor-Johnson continued, via Deadline:

I have Universal to thank for that. I forged close and lasting relationships with the cast, producers and crew and most especially, with Dakota and Jamie. While I will not be returning to direct the sequels, I wish nothing but success to whosoever takes on the exciting challenges of films two and three."

According to Deadline, there is no word yet on who might replace her to direct parts two and three of the series. Who would you like to see step in as director? Write your answer on a napkin, light the napkin on fire, and blow the ashes out of the nearest window.

We'll see! :)

Image via Getty. Contact the author at kelly.conaboy@gawker.com.