It is official. Charlie Hunman is no longer a part of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’. Universal Pictures announced in a statement.
“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.” This is what the statement by Universal Pictures and Focus Features read.
He is currently starring in “Sons of Anarchy” and was supposed to be staring as Christian Grey in “Fifty Shades of Grey.” The producers knew of his busy TV schedule when he was cast.
Dakota Johnson was cast as the female lead in the much-awaited film adaptation of E.L. James erotic novel. The book has been translated in 50 languages worldwide since its inception and sold over 70 million copies worldwide, including e-books and in print. This has made it one of the fastest selling book series ever.
The books follow the relationship between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a young businessman called Christian Grey. A few diehard fans of the book protested when Hunnam was cast as Christian Grey. Agreed, each person would have strong opinions of the perfect person to play the role. But, it us up to the producers regarding the casting.
The film, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson would be released on the 1st of August, 2014. Production is expected to begin some time later this month.