Why did Charlie Hunnam really quit “Fifty Shades of Grey”? According to a new report, it was author E.L. James’ first choice of actor to star as Christian Grey, “Twilight” star Robert Pattinson, that caused him to resign from the highly-anticipated film.
People magazine was the first to report Monday that the 33-year-old “Sons of Anarchy” TV star quit the romance film after concerns that he would be “typecast” following its August 2014 release. "He dropped out of the project because he didn't want to be typecast," a source told the magazine, adding, "He didn't want the Robert Pattinson-esque attention that would come along with taking on this role."
The allegations follow previous reports that the British native left the film due to his original disinterest in starring in the adaption of the best-selling trilogy erotica series. "Charlie Hunnam was never going to do 'Fifty Shades of Grey,'" an insider told Us Weekly claiming that the actor didn’t pull out of his role following fans petition for filmmakers to recast him, a rumor that originally circulated following his resignation announcement. “He told his agents from the beginning he didn't want to do it and was going to pull out,” said the source.
Hunnam shocked fans, many of whom had recently accepted his role as the sadistic billionaire businessman Christian Grey, by announcing his resignation via the films’ studio Universal Pictures Saturday. “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 the studio in a statement.
Despite dropped out of the film series, author E.L. James offered kind words for Hunnam on her social media account Saturday. “Okay girls and boys- hold on to your hats- it’s about to get serious…” she wrote on Twitter, adding, “I wish Charlie all the best.”
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Hunnam’s “Sons of Anarchy" is scheduled to end production on Oct. 21. “Fifty Shades of Grey” was prepared to begin shooting in Vancouver on Nov. 1 prior to the announcement. So far filmmakers have not announced a replacement for Hunnam but fans have been vocal about their desire to seen longtime fan favorite, “White Collar” actor Matt Bomer take on the role.
The Real Reason Charlie Hunnam Quit ‘50 Shades of Grey’ Film: Actor Didn’t Want To End Up Like Robert Pattinson, Source Says
