"Mad Max: Fury Road" star Charlize Theron is reportedly joining the cast of E.L. James "Fifty Shades Darker" as the controversial Mrs. Robinson. With a target premiere of February 2017, the film's production date is rumored to commence on New Year.

Even without a new director on board yet, the movie adaptation of E.L. James' sequel "Fifty Shades Darker" continues to move forward. The erotic-romantic flick seems to be already gearing up for its production with a new name reportedly added to its list of cast. Rumor has it that the "Mad Max: Fury Road" actress, Charlize Theron, is joining the project to play one of the story's most controversial character.

According to Inquisitr, the 39-year-old actress is slated to portray the role of Elena Lincoln, also known as Mrs. Robinson. In the novel series, the character was Christian Grey's former dominant partner who introduced him into the world of BDSM (Bondage-Discipline/Domination-Submission/Sadism-Masochism). Though her current relationship with Grey is just for business, she will eventually get in the way of the billionaire's relationship with her naïve girlfriend, Anastasia.

If the speculations are true, Charlize Theron will be joining Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson who will reprise their roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele respectively in the upcoming sequel. Meanwhile, "Fifty Shades Darker" will pick up where "Fifty Shades of Grey" has left. Movie News Guide claims that the upcoming second installment of the franchise will commence its principal photography first thing next year.

As previously reported, "Fifty Shades Darker" was originally set to hit the big screen in 2016 but is later on pushed back for a February 10, 2017 debut after director Sam Taylor-Johnson dropped the project. It will be followed by the concluding film for the trilogy, "Fifty Shades Freed", on February 9 2018.

What do you think Fifty Shades of Grey fans? Will Charlize Theron be able to pull off Mrs. Robinson's character? Leave your comments below.