'50 Shades of Grey' Movie Cast News: Charlie Hunnam Drops Film Lead
It appears that actor Charlie Hunnam will no longer be playing the lead role in the upcoming "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie adaptation.
Early in September in was announced that the "Sons of Anarchy" star would be taking the role of Christian Grey, but now, according to the Hollywood Reporter, there has been a change. It seems his television schedule is keeping him too busy to accept the role.
"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 said in a statement.
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Hunnam currently stars on FX's hit "Sons of Anarchy," where he plays the role of Jax. Hunnam is also well known for his long running role as Nathan on "Queer as Folk" and his portrayal of Lloyd Hathe on the television series "Undeclared."
Though he is well known for television roles, "Fifty Shades of Grey" would not have been Hunnam's first time on the big screen. He was most recently featured in the summer action flick "Pacific Rim."
The female lead, however, has not changed. Dakota Johnson is still signed on for that role.
Early in September, the author who penned the popular "Fifty Shades" book series, E.L. James, made the casting announcements herself via her Twitter account.
"I am delighted to let you know that the lovely Dakota Johnson has agreed to be our Anastasia in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey," the author tweeted.
Dakota Johnson is also no stranger to the big screen. She played the role Fugzay in the recent comedy movie "21 Jump Street." She has also had a few television roles, most recently on the series finale of NBC's "The Office."
The first movie in the "Fifty Shades" series is set to hit theaters in August of 2014.
