Charlie Hunnam Dropping Out of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' Role
Charlie Hunnam has dropped out of as Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey over the weekend, E News reported.
Hunnam and Dakota Johnson were scheduled to begin filming November 5 in Vancouver. However, a statement was released on Oct. 12 to state that Hunnam had left the project.
"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," Universal Pictures and Focus Features said in a joint statement.
E.L. James', who wrote the book, wished Hunnam the best on Twitter.
The gorgeous and talented Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey.
— E L James (@E_L_James) September 2, 2013
A source revealed on Oct. 13 that Hunnam had reservations about assuming the role.
"This isn't a surprise because what he was taking on with this role was not what Charlie wants in his future career," a source said.
Furthermore, the actor did not want the notoriety associated with the S&M character.
"The attention and the pressure was intense," the source explained. "More than anything he hates attention and being in Fifty Shades of Grey would force him to do lots of media. That's really not his thing. Charlie doesn't want to be massively famous. Plus, he hates conforming and being told what to do. This role would force him to have to be something he is not."