Who Will Play Christian Grey? 'Fifty Shades of Grey' Movie Without Lead Actor After Charlie Hunnam Backed Out
Christian Grey is a mysterious, elusive character; and so is the name of the actor who will play the role.
The movie adaptation of "Fifty Shades of Grey" created quite a stir a couple of months back during the first round of casting, with fans clamoring to get their favorite actors on the top spot. And it raised a storm when Charlie Hunnam was named as male lead last September - the fans of the EL James trilogy didn't take too kindly to the filmmakers' choice. And now, fans are speculating anew on who will play Christian Grey, as Hunnam bows out of the title role.
E! News quoted the joint statement from Focus and Universal Pictures released during the weekend which read, "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."
Author EL James posted her good tidings for the "Sons of Anarchy" actor, saying, "I wish Charlie all the best. x"
I wish Charlie all the best. x
— E L James (@E_L_James) October 12, 2013
The novelist welcomed Hunnam into the project last Sept. 2 via the same social media network.
The gorgeous and talented Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey.
— E L James (@E_L_James) September 2, 2013
The top fan choice to play Christian Grey on the big screen is still Matt Bomer, who is best known for his role in "White Collar." Ryan Gosling, who starred in "Gangster Squad" and "Only God Forgives" is also a big bet. Other names that have come up are Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alexander Skarsgard, Ian Somerhalder, Alex Pettyfer, Cillian Murphy, among others. Robert Pattinson is said to be the author's favorite, having based the Grey novels on the "Twilight" series.
Dakota Johnson plays Anastasia Steele, a graduating student who inadvertently gets fatally attracted to the mysterious billionaire Mr. Grey, and gets into a very unconventional relationship with the eccentric businessman.
Fifty Shades of Grey is scheduled to be shown in theaters on August 1, 2014.