After some tentative first steps, Universal seems ready to go all the way with their adaptation of E.L. James' S&M bestseller "Fifty Shades of Grey."

The studio paid a reported $5 million for the rights to the kinky book series last year, and there were rumblings about Angelina Jolie expressing an interest in directing. More recently, it was confirmed that in-demand screenwriter Kelly Marcel ("Saving Mr. Banks") is writing the script. Now Universal Chairman Adam Fogelson has revealed more about a possible release date for the film. 

With "Fifty Shades" -- and its two sequels -- being one of the best sellers of 2012, some folks were wondering whether the studio is waiting too long to capitalize on the already-fading hype. 

"I certainly understand why some people might take that point of view," Fogelse admitted in an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, "but I don't believe that [James] had any interest in going to a studio where rushing it into production was the vision. I don't believe that the second or third film would have benefited from that strategy. And I think that there are totally legitimate questions about what this book is as a movie. I will tell you that it is an absolute priority for us. It's conceivable that we could be ready to release it as early as next summer."

A summer 2014 release date would mean that production would have to begin relatively soon, but as of now there are no stars -- or director -- attached.

When asked about whether the Jolie rumors were true, Fogelson answered, "No. We're involved in a different project with her [the World War II drama "Unbroken"]. But we have had really, really interesting, great conversations with talented, serious filmmakers."

Who would you like to see direct "Fifty Shades of Grey"?