Universal Pictures and Focus Features said that Charlie Hunnam abandoned his role of Christian Grey in the film adaptation of E.L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey due to scheduling conflicts. Other sources, however, say Hunnam wanted to avoid the reputation that could come with such a role.

According to a joint statement released by Universal Pictures and Focus Features, Hunnam could no longer portray S&M-loving businessman Christian Grey because of the his "immersive TV schedule" as Jax in FX's "Sons of Anarchy." Sources, on the other hand, say that Hunnam did not like the pressure of fulfilling expectations of fans of the erotic novel.

"It's a big relief," a source told FOX411. "He doesn't need that kind of pressure. He doesn't need to be a huge star. He just wants to keep working and take on interesting roles. He's happy."

Another source claims that Hunnam did not want to be remembered as Christian Grey for the rest of his career.

"He dropped out of the project because he didn't want to be typecast," a source told PEOPLE. "He didn't want the Robert Pattinson-esque attention that would come along with taking on this role."

Fans were shocked when the announcement was made Sunday; the film is scheduled to begin filiming in Vancouver in just a few weeks. FOX411's source said that Hunnam's decision was well planned out.

"It was something he had been concerned about for a while, and it was a difficult decision and the contract wasn't fully signed," the FOX411 source said. "I don't think he was expecting it to be such a huge deal, and he wasn't comfortable with all the attention."

Since making the decision, Hunnam is reportedly happy and at ease, even serving as best man at his friend's wedding the day of the announcement.

'[Hunnam] seemed in really good spirits and spent time with his closest friends and his girlfriend," a source told PEOPLE.

Author of the book, E.L. James has no hard feelings about losing Hunnam.

"I wish Charlie all the best," James said via Twitter.

Currently, filmmakers are looking for a replacement to star opposite Dakota Johnson. Jamie Dornan and  Matt Bomer are rumored to be front runners.

Fifty Shades of Grey will be released Aug. 1, 2014.