Fifty Shades Of Grey Loses Its Mr. Grey! Charlie Hunnam Drops Out Of Project

We thought it was full steam ahead for Fifty Shades of Grey with the casting in place, but reports are emerging this evening that Charlie Hunnam has dropped out of the film.

According to the Metro and E! Online, Hunnam has dropped out due to a very busy TV schedule.

A statement from Universal Pictures and Focus Features reads: “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.”

Hunnam had announced only recently that he would star in the film with his co-star, Dakota Johnson.

Author E.L. James confirmed the news on her twitter account declaring: “I wish Charlie all the best.”

Hunnam has apparently agreed to help find a replacement for the film which follows the life of Anastasia Steele who begins a relationship with Christian Grey.

Fifty Shades of Grey is due to hit cinemas in August of next year.