Charlie Hunnam may have left his role as Christian Grey in the upcoming movie adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey, yet author E.L. James is not harbouring any resentment. The author of the bestselling trilogy took to Twitter on Saturday (14th October) when she wrote "I wish Charlie all the best."

Charlie Hunnam
Charlie Hunnam has dropped out of Fifty Shades of Grey.

Universal Pictures, the studio responsible for the Fifty Shades movie, released a statement announcing Hunnam's decision to step down from the male lead. It seems Hunnam's television appearances (on Sons of Anarchy) would prevent him from thoroughly committing to the project. The statement read, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, "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."

However, there was opposition to Hunnam's casting in the role of Christian Grey. A petition was started by a number of fans who requested the studio cast Matt Bomer (of White Collar) in the role of Grey. Hunnam was set to star opposite Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele, there was equal opposition to her casting as many fans wished Alexis Bledel (of Gilmore Girls) be cast in her stead. 

It seems this negative attention may be responsible for Hunnam's decision to drop out of the project. Sources speaking to THR claim the 33-year-old British actor 'was overwhelmed with the attention he received from being cast in the movie and got cold feet about carrying such a high-profile project'. 

Fifty Shades of Grey is due to be released on August 1st 2014. However, as the producers need to recast the lead role it may mean the release is set back. 

E.L. James
E.L. James wishes Charlie Hunnam all the best.