Charlie Hunnam: Leaving ‘Fifty Shades’ was ‘heartbreaking’

MANILA, Philippines – He had already been cast as Christian Grey, but Charlie Hunnam dropped out weeks after casting was announced. Now, the Sons of Anarchy actor has spoken publicly about the film, voicing support for the material and apparently for Jamie Dornan, the actor who replaced him. 

At the recent Television Critics Association press tour, Charlie said that dropping out of the movie was “heartbreaking” for him, but confirmed that a busy schedule, which did not give him enough time to prepare for the movie, was the reason for his departure.  

“I don’t think people have had unchaperoned access to me since all of this went on … the CliffsNotes were exactly what we said. I couldn’t do it because of (the) schedule. It was as simple as that,” he said, reports the Associated Press.  

He also said that he though Jamie Dornan was going to do “just fine,” adding that he thought Jamie was “a lot better looking” than he was. 

Charlie said that he had also been looking forward to working with director Sam Taylor-Johnson, and explore the character. 

Back in September 2013, news broke that Charlie and actress Dakota Johnson would be starring in Fifty Shades of Grey together. Charlie dropped out in October 2013. His show Sons of Anarchy will be going into its seventh and final season in September.  

Fifty Shades tells the story of powerful, enigmatic Christian Grey, who pursues college grad Anastasia Steele. The book explores their sexual relationship as well as Christian’s issues from his troubled past, continuing in Fifty Shades Darker and ending with Fifty Shades Freed. 

Buzz about the movie is likely to pick up as the release date nears: the first trailer will drop this week following an enticing teaser posted by singer Beyonce on Instagram, and the recent release of a promotional photo showing Jamie Dornan in character as Christian was also well-received by fans. 

Fifty Shades of Grey will hit theaters in February 2015. – Rappler.com