14 Oct – Fans who were disappointed with the casting of "Pacific Rim" star Charlie Hunnam in the role of Christian Grey will get another chance, as the actor is exiting "Fifty Shades Of Grey". According to a statement by Universal, the "Sons Of Anarchy" star is having difficulties to reconcile his work schedule on the television series with the movie's filming. "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." The production for "Fifty Shades Of Grey" was set to start in Vancouver on 1 November. Previously, the 33- year old actor once said at the "Sons Of Anarchy" premiere that "there was tangible chemistry between" him and co-star Dakota Johnson, but his sudden withdrawal was speculated to be due to cold feet after the amount of attention he has received, as mentioned by two unknown sources to The Hollywood Reporter.
The studio has set the film to be released in August 2014 so delays could potentially change the release date. The film is based on E.L. James' erotic novel of the same name. It tells the story of an inexperienced college student named Anastasia Steele, who meets a tormented young business magnate named Christian Grey and the subsequent attraction that they feel for each other. Anastasia Steele is to be played by Dakota Johnson and the character Grey was supposed to be played by Charlie Hunnam. The film is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. Charlie Hunnam is also set to shoot for Guillermo Del Toro's "Crimson Peak" in 2014 and appear in "Triple Nine" with Cate Blanchett and Christoph Waltz.