Fifty Shades of Grey Movie Cast Rumors 2013: Christian Grey First Choice Charlie Hunnam Wanted More Creative Control
A busy schedule, negative fan feedback, cold feet, too much pressure, fear of being typecast. These are all rumored reasons for Charlie Hunnam's departure from the Fifty Shades of Grey film adaptation. The latest reports, however, are now saying that Hunnam left the Christian Grey role behind because of creative differences.
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."
The newest reports claim otherwise.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hunnam wanted more involvement in the film's script. Hunnam has experience as the screenwriter of VLAD, a gothic horror screenplay from Brad Pitt's Plan B and Summit Entertainment. Hunnam reportedly sent detailed script notes to Fifty Shades of Grey screenwriter Kelly Marcel, who enjoyed his feedback. This encouraged Hunnam to send even more notes to the writers, but these were rejected.
"That's Charlie, that's who he is," the source said. "He's particular."
Another source said that tensions grew, and Hunnam began clashing with the film's creative team, including director Sam Taylor-Johnson. By Oct. 11, THR reports, problems between Hunnam and the Fifty Shades of Grey team were at "a fever pitch."
"Hunnam's team at CAA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners strongly advised him to stay on the project for fear that his exit would embarrass [Donna] Langley -- new to the chairman job -- and burn a bridge with one of the major studios," THR said.
The same day, Patrick Marber joined the writers to enhance the characters. Hunnam, however, was no longer interested, and by the next day he was no longer Christian Grey.
According to the magazine, Hunnam was offered $125,000 for the risqué role, and although rumors suggest more was bothering Hunnam than an "immersive TV schedule," it seems that that may have been partially true. Universal Pictures had to hire bodyguards for Hunnam during the "Sons of Anarchy" premiere and cancel two of Hunnam's promotional visits to Ontario after E.L. James, author of the Fifty Shades of Grey novel, first announced his participation.
Filming for Fifty Shades of Grey is scheduled to begin Nov. 1. Currently, filmmakers are looking for a replacement to star opposite Dakota Johnson. Jamie Dornan and Matt Bomer are rumored to be frontrunners.
Fifty Shades of Grey will be released Aug. 1, 2014.