UPDATE: Fifty Shades trilogy….. Casting

Charlie Hunnam (Photo by Getty)

Twitter Explodes Over Charlie Hunnam’s ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Exit
By Jenny Depper

 
Was "Fifty Shades of Grey" too hot for Charlie Hunnam?

The "Sons of Anarchy" star bid adieu to the sexy title role of Christian Grey in the film adaption of the sex-tangled bestselling book by author E.L. James, and fans and critics aren't buying the studio's reason for his controversial exit.

“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 announced on October 12.

The 33-year-old actor started shooting the season 6 finale of his hit FX show on October 11, one day before Universal Pictures released their statement. Several "Sons" fans claim he is too of good an actor for the saucy part, while "50" devotees say he was never destined to play the role in the first place.

UPDATE: Fifty Shades trilogy….. Casting

Charlie Hunnam

 

"Sons of Anarchy" actor Charlie Hunnam has nabbed one of the most talked-about roles in Hollywood with his casting in the upcoming adaptation of EL James' "Fifty Shades of Grey."  

 

 Hunnam will star in the film as the male lead, Christian Grey, a businessman with a taste for kinky sex. James announced Hunnam's casting last week on Twitter, writing, "The gorgeous and talented Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the film adaptation of 'Fifty Shades of Grey.'" In addition to his role in "Sons of Anarchy," Hunnam has also appeared in "Pacific Rim," "Children of Men," and "Cold Mountain."

Dakota Johnson

The 33-year-old actor will star opposite actress Dakota Johnson who will play Grey's love interest, Anastasia Steele. Johnson's resume includes roles in "21 Jump Street," "The Five-Year Engagement," and "The Social Network."


After the initial frenzy surrounding the announcement, and the ensuing backlash, died down, Hunnam spoke about the role, voicing his excitement about playing the man that made James' debut novel the fastest-selling book of all time.

"[I am] so excited to be entrusted with this empowered character," Hunnam told Entertainment Tonight. He went on to add that he "anticipated" the major reactions that fans had to his casting, saying, "These books were a global phenomenon. I isolate myself [so I] haven't been too aware of what's [going on in] social media."

Hunnam also recently spoke about working with Johnson, telling THR, "As soon as we got in the room and started reading with Dakota, I knew that I definitely wanted to do it, because there was a tangible chemistry between us."

Led by director Sam Taylor-Johnson, "Fifty Shades of Grey" will hit theaters on Aug. 1, 2014.

Fifty Shades trilogy

In early 2012, it was announced that there was professional interest in a film production of the Fifty Shades trilogy. Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Paramount, Universal Pictures, as well as Mark Wahlberg's production company all put in bids for the film rights, with Universal Pictures and Focus Features eventually securing the rights to the trilogy in March 2012. Author E.L. James sought to retain some control during the movie's creative process. The Social Network producers Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti signed on to produce the film, having been hand-picked by E. L. James. American Psycho writer Bret Easton Ellis has also publicly expressed his desire to write the screenplay for the film. Kelly Marcel will write the screenplay. In February 2013, Universal chairman Adam Fogelson told The Hollywood Reporter about the release: "It's conceivable that we could be ready to release it as early as next summer."

 

In June 2012, it was reported that Angelina Jolie was interested in directing the film and was currently in talks to direct the adaptation. In April 2013, it was reported that director Gus Van Sant had shot a scene with Alex Pettyfer as Christian Grey serving as a screen test for the studios. On May 9, 2013, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Joe Wright was also considered as director. However, a few days later Mike Fleming from Deadline.com reported that Wright's schedule would not allow him to work on the film. Other directors who have been mentioned for the job are Patty Jenkins, Bill Condon, and Bennett Miller. At one point, Steven Soderbergh was also considered.

 

In June 2013, E.L. James announced that Sam Taylor-Wood would direct the film adaptation.