Charlie Hunnam leaves ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ movie adaptation

When it comes to “Fifty Shades of Grey,� Charlie Hunnam is now Fifty Shades Freed.

“Fifty Shades Freed� is the title of the third book in E.L. James’ bestselling erotic series. But Hunnam, who was slated to play swoon-worthy sadist Christian Grey, will never get that far on screen. The “Sons of Anarchy� actor has dropped out of the lead role in the “Fifty Shades of Grey� adaptation being directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.

According to a story in the Hollywood Reporter, sources said Hunnam “was overwhelmed with the attention he received from being cast in the movie and got cold feet about carrying such a high-profile project.�

The official statement, however, attributed Hunnam’s exit to scheduling issues. “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,� said Universal Pictures.

On Saturday, bestselling author E.L. James took to Twitter, first writing “Okay girls and boys - hold onto your hats it’s - about to get serious...� and then “I wish Charlie all the best x.� She followed that with a photograph of the L.A. skyline and confirmed that she’s back in Hollywood -- possibly looking for a new Christian Grey.

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