Fan power? Charlie Hunnam exits role of Christian Grey in upcoming Fifty Shades movie due to his 'immersive TV schedule'

His casting as Christian Grey caused an uproar among fans of the raunchy tome.
And now it has emerged Charlie Hunnam has pulled out of the forthcoming movie adaptation of 50 Shades of Grey.

The 33-year-old will no longer be the film's leading man due to his 'immersive TV schedule' as the star of hit show Sons Of Anarchy.

Exit stage right: Charlie Hunnam will no longer play leading man Christian in Fifty Shades of Grey

In a statement on Deadline, Universal said: '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.'
His casting in the film had only been announced last month, in what insiders expect will be at least three films based on EL James' trilogy of books.
However the announcement was met with vitriol among series fans, who claimed he was not sexy enough for the role.
It seems budding actress Dakota Johnson, daughter of stars Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, is still lined up to play Ana in the movie, despite being criticised for the same reason.

One down, one to go: Fans were outraged Charlie and Dakota Johnson were chosen to play the film's leads

Perhaps the fact she is Hollywood royalty will give her extra protection against a further casting change.
It's thought producers cast Dakota because they wanted a young, up-and-coming actress to play the role of virginal Anastasia, who embarks on an intense voyage of sexual discovery with her S&M-loving boss Christian.
Charlie has starred in gritty biker drama Sons Of Anarchy since 2008, and also appeared in Guillermo del Toro's robot epic Pacific Rim.
He gained fame on the UK drama Queer As Folk, on which he played gay teenager Nathan Maloney; the show ran from 1999-2000.
Before the announcement of the casting there had been numerous rumours about who would win the coveted roles.

Punished: Fans of the books gave Charlie a verbal spanking for not being sexy enough despite him starring in Sons Of Anarchy since 2008

Robert Pattinson was tipped as a favourite the running for the role of Christian, and movie bosses may make an approach following Charlie's shock departure.

The film will be directed by artist Sam Taylor-Johnson,
Fifty Shades Of Grey will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, who is married to Kick Ass actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
The novel is the fastest-selling paperback of all time and has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide.
Controversial for its depictions of sadomasochistic sex and more, Fifty Shades Of Grey marked the rise of 'mummy porn,' or racy reading intended for mainstream, often middle-aged women.
The film is currently scheduled for release in August 2014.

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