CEBU, Philippines - Christian Grey no more! Universal Pictures and Focus Features have announced that Charlie Hunnam will be replaced in the highly anticipated film adaption of E.L. James’ “Fifty Shades of Grey†due to his busy schedule.
“The filmmakers of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ and Charlie Hunnam have agreed to find another male lead given Hunnam’s immersive TV schedule which is not allowing him time to adequately prepare for the role of Christian Grey,†the studios said in a joint statement.
After a tireless search, Hunnam, 33, was finally confirmed on September 2 to take on the coveted role of fetishist Grey alongside actress Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele.
“I wish Charlie all the best,†the author of the three-book erotica series wrote just moments after the shocking shakeup.
Days after Hunnam signed on for the role, the “Sons of Anarchy†actor spoke out about what “a big commitment†the films would be, and how he had a profound chemistry with Johnson from their initial readings together.
A petition surrounding the casting also surfaced shortly after Hunnam was revealed to take on the mysterious billionaire. Fans quickly demanded through an online petition that he be replaced by actor Matt Bomer.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hunnam got cold feet about the high-profile project. The pandemonium surrounding his casting even forced Universal to hire bodyguards for the actor at a recent “Sons of Anarchy†premiere. (FREEMAN)