Fifty Shades of a summer blockbuster? Release date of Sam Taylor-Johnson's film announced

The Fifty Shades of Grey books were the UK’s three best-selling titles of 2012, having collectively sold 10.5 million copies. (Getty Images)

The US release date for the film adaptation of EL James’ Fifty Shades of Grey has been set for 1 August 2014.

Studio Focus Features, whose films include Atonement and The Constant Gardener, confirmed the news for a late summer release on Twitter. A release date for the UK has yet to be confirmed.

News of the film’s 2014 release comes a week after Sam Taylor-Johnson was named as the film’s director. British writer Kelly Marcel has already signed to write the screenplay.

The Turner-nominated artist-turned-director was seen by many as a surprise choice as she had not been previously linked to the film.

The book’s protagonists Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey are yet to be cast, although many actors have been connected to their roles.

Emma Watson, Mila Kunis and Kristen Stewart are among a number of actresses who have been touted to play virginal college graduate Anastasia, with Mad Men star Alexis Bledel named as the most recent frontrunner.

Alex Pettyfer, Ian Somerhalder, Henry Cavill and Matt Bomer have been named as potential candidates for Christian Grey.

Studios Focus Features and Universal paid $5 million to secure the film rights to the best-selling erotic trilogy.

The Fifty Shades of Grey books were the UK’s three best-selling titles of 2012, having collectively sold 10.5 million copies.