In what just might be the smartest move of his career, Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam has dropped out of the Fifty Shades of Grey adaptation. The studio is citing scheduling conflicts as the reason for the actor’s departure, but I’m not sure if I’m buying it.
Here’s their official 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.”
Agreeing to star in the Fifty Shades of Grey film is a risk for any actor, especially someone like Charlie Hunnam. He’s finally starting to gain exposure in Hollywood after having proven his chops as a leading man this past summer in the excellent Pacific Rim. Once he finishes up with Sons of Anarchy, you can bet that he’ll be seeing more movie roles come his way.
Though scheduling conflicts are the official reason being given here, I think that Hunnam either got cold feet, or just realized that a seasoned actor like himself doesn’t need to take on a role that involved so much nudity and explicit sexual content. He should be focusing his efforts elsewhere, not on controversial trash like this.
So, while Hunnam is now gone, Dakota Johnson is still on board to play Anastasia Steele, and Jennifer Ehle is still attached as Steele’s mom. The Sam Taylor-directed film will hit theatres on August 1st, 2014. With shooting set to begin next month, expect to hear more about Hunnam’s replacement in the near future.
For now, tell us, who do you want to see play Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades of Grey film?