The main reaction to Charlie Hunnam’s decision to turn down the role of Christian Grey in next year’s big screen adaptation of E.L. James’ “Fifty Shades of Grey” has been one of befuddlement.
No one can understand why the 33-year-old actor, who currently also stars in FX series “Sons of Anarchy,” would drop out of what is sure to be one of next year’s most anticipated films.
As tends to happen on the Internet, rumors started circulating immediately, everything from Hunnam getting cold feet to his not wanting to be in a film that might turn out to be his generation’s “Showgirls.”
Those rumor’s aren’t that far off the mark of what actually happened, according to a story in them the October 25 issue of The Hollywood Reporter.
According the magazine, Hunnam was never fully sold on the role, and had been uncomfortable for weeks about the frenzy surrounding the film.
But more interesting than that are the creative squabbles the actor reportedly had with filmmakers, including director Sam Taylor-Johnson. Hunnam, a writer himself, submitted detailed script notes that were well received. Less well received, though, was the actor’s push for more creative input, a request that was turned down.
“That’s Charlie, that’s who he is. He’s particular,” one source told the magazine..
Although Hunnam and the filmmakers seemed to overcome their difference, tensions fired up again on October 11, and the next day it was announced that Hunnam would no longer be portraying Grey.
Another factor that could have played a role in Greys’ departure, money. The actor was reportedly set to make $125,000 for the film, a number that seems awfully small considering the project’s massive profile.
Universal Pictures and Focus Features are now in a rush to replace Hunnam before the film’s November 1 start date.
Though filmmakers are keeping their list of four potential Grey-replacements under wraps, the magazine reports that Jamie Dornan, Christian Cooke and Alexander Skarsgard are all being considered for the role.