It's official, the actor is ditching the role of Christian Grey.
By Alexandra Churchill — Written on Oct 12, 2013
When Charlie Hunnam scored the hottest film role of the upcoming year — the debonair billionaire Christian Grey — it wasn't without controversy. Fans were in an uproar, a petition was circulated and there was a general media frenzy over the unlikely casting choice. Last week, we heard rumors circulating that Charlie was ditching the highly coveted role. Today, it turns out those rumors were true.
Universal Pictures and Focus Features released this joint statement today, "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."
Fifty Shades author E.L. James tantalized fans with this forewarning tweet: "Okay girls and boys — hold on to your hats — it's about to get serious..." before tweeting a very definitive farewell to the actor, "I wish Charlie all the best. x."
So is it back to square one for the casting crew? Director Sam Taylor-Johnson will have to get back to searching, but she can't wait too long. After all, the film is still due to hit theaters Aug. 1, 2014. (So now that the role is up for grabs again, can we suggest Ian Somerhalder again or is that just wishful thinking?)
Who would be your dream pick for Christian Grey? Let us know in the comments!
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