Ever since "Fifty Shades of Grey" marched into theatres and into fans' fantasies earlier this year, news of its sequel's development have been closely followed. "Fifty Shades Darker" is set to begin filming in early 2016. But news of its delay in production have once again taken center stage as rumors surround Jamie Dornan and his family.

Dornan plays Christian Grey, the film's charismatic male lead. Reports claim that the Northern Irish actor is scheduled to take a break from filming next year to spend some quality time with his loved ones. The 33-year-old actor has a second child on the way with his wife, Amelia Warner.

Fans are likely worried that the film's release date will eventually get pushed back due to the delay. But Dornan has shown his excitement to start filming time and again. For what it's worth, "Fifty Shades Darker" is reportedly going to be just that--darker.

Movie News Guide reports that the film's plot will play with steamier scenes and more extreme BDSM between the film's two leads. Dakota Johnson, who plays Anastasia Steele, doesn't seem to have any issue with it, even telling Elle that she has "no shame."

Other notable celebrities rumored to be joining the cast are Cara Delevingne, Kendall Jenner, Lucy Hale, Alexis Bledel, Charlize Theron, Ian Somerhalder, Theo James and Henry Cavill. But there are also speculations that the film does not have a casting director yet onboard, which is also a likely cause for delay.

"Fifty Shades Darker" will be followed by a third installation, "Fifty Shades Freed," which will also serve as the trilogy's conclusion. The "Fifty Shades" film franchise is based on the best-selling novels of the same name written by E.L. James.

Despite all of the rumors plaguing the film, "Fifty Shades Darker" is scheduled to hit cinemas on Feb. 10, 2017.