"Fifty Shades of Grey" movie production plans got a little tied up Saturday after announcing it lost its male lead.
Actor Charlie Hunnam jumped ship just a month after being pegged to fill billionaire Christian Grey's shoes in the erotic trilogy. (Via FX)
Dakota Johnson is set to play Anastasia Steele and Hunnam had earlier commented on their overwhelming chemistry, saying it was, "exciting and fun and weird and compelling." (Via New York Daily News)
So much for that chemistry. When it comes to why Hunnam left, rumors indicate he couldn't handle the pressure.
The Hollywood Reporter cites unnamed sources who say the "'Sons of Anarchy' actor was overwhelmed with the attention he received from the movie and got cold feet." The sources go on to say Hunnam got spooked from all the media attention.
It's true media and fans were very excited to see Hunnam at his latest premiere. Even NBC's Jimmy Fallon noticed.
Anchor: "Extra protection was brought on for Christian Grey aka Charlie Hunnam at FX's Sons of Anarchy premiere in Hollywood."
Charlie Hunnam: "It's what's so exciting about this job as an actor." (Via E! News)
"They had to hire extra security to protect the actor Charlie Hunnam from female fans. The guards told women if they get too close they're going to be handcuffed and detained and the women said 'keep going.'" (Via NBC)
Crazy media and fans aside, Universal released a statement saying it was because "Hunnam's immersive TV schedule which is not allowing him time to adequately prepare for the role of Christian Grey." (Via Entertainment Weekly)
Which is fair, seeing that the actor is preparing for another film, Crimson Peak, which will begin shooting in 2014. (Via IMDB)
It looks like no feelings are hurt though with his departure. "Fifty Shades of Grey" author E L James Tweeted "I wish Charlie all the best. x." (Via Twitter / @E_L_James)
The sudden hunt for a replacement puts the production in a bind, saying any delays could set back the August 1, 2014 release date.
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