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Charlie Hunnam Drops Out Of "50 Shades Of Grey" Movie

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Charlie Hunnam had the entire Internet Googling him last month when producers announced he would play the role of Christian Grey in the upcoming film adaptation of Fifty Shades Of Grey. But now it looks like Universal Pictures will have to find another bloke to play the kinky billionaire, as Hunnam has bowed out.

The Hollywood Reporter writes:

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," Universal Pictures said in a statement.

The news is odd, considering they presumably knew of Hunnam's commitment to Sons of Anarchy when they chose him.

charlie hunnam THIt couldn't be because of Hunnam's early role as a gay teen on a sexually charged British TV show—that kind of erotic resume only helps his performance.

"My first job was on a Channel 4 miniseries called Queer as Folk… [with]  incredibly explicit sexual scenes with a man," he told Hollywood Reporter. "So if I could do it when I was 18 with a guy, I can certainly do it at 33 with a lady.”

Related: 5 Movies To Watch While You Wait For the 50 Shades of Grey movie

Maybe the Pacific Rim star really didn't have the “tangible chemistry” he bragged about with co-star Datoka Johnson? Hunnam said meeting Johnson felt "exciting and fun and weird and compelling,” but we're honestly sure what that means.

Whatever the reason, the producers' search begins anew—as does our betting pool for who will wear the mantle of Mr. Grey. The studio could score major points by casting Matt Bomer, who got thrust into a bit of controversy when his name was touted. Or Alex Petyfer who already shot an steamy Grey sex scene as a test run for Gus Van Sant.

Or perhaps someone completely from left field.

Who's your cinematic Christian Grey? Play casting director in the comment section below.

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