It must have come as a rude shock for many ardent fans of Charlie Hunnam, who has decided to drop out of the forthcoming movie Fifty Shades of Grey, after being picked up do the challenging role only a month ago. With Universal Pictures and Focus Features issuing a joint release stating that the filmmakers and Hunnam have agreed to identify another male actor to do the lead role, many names, including that of Robert Pattinson and Ian Somerhalder, have already started doing rounds, even if all of them appear to be a wild guess at this stage.

Many reasons are being attributed to Hunnam deciding against donning the role of Christian Grey, that has come as nothing less than a bombshell for all those awaiting the shoot of the film, slated to hit the screens in August 2014. While there are many who believe that Charlie’s tight-running schedule in the ongoing FX show Sons of Anarchy has forced him to drop out of Fifty Shades, there are others who feel there could be some late development that led to differences between the filmmakers and the 33-year-old Hunnam. However, those directly connected to the film firmly opine that it’s the actor’s immersive TV schedule that has led to the current fiasco.

Who Will Be Christian Grey?

While a majority of Hunnam’s fans see the actor’s sudden exit like the dropping of a bombshell, there are others who feel relieved as they claim Hunnam is not really sexy enough to play the role of Christian Grey. Fans and critics alike are making good use of Twitter to express their reactions on Hunnam’s exit from Fifty Shades, and as expected the reactions look mixed. In fact, many of them – like the filmmakers – are trying to forget the episode and look keen to know who will be replacing Hunnam to portray the character of Christian Grey, a character that has assumed a lot of popularity ever since the novel hit the stands. The book created a record of sorts by selling more than 70 million copies across the world. Commenting on the recent development, the book’s author EL James tweeted “I wish Charlie all the best.x”.

Dakota Johnson Still in

Meanwhile, up-and-coming actress Dakota Johnson, the child of popular film stars Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, is unchanged in her decision to play the role of Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades. Although under attack from critics for her decision, Dakota is all set to pair with a new male lead who will replace the hunky star to do the popular character. Young Dakota has been selected by the film producers because they feel she will suit the role of virginal Ana, who will be engaged in an intense sex tussle with Christian Grey.

It was the 1999-2000 UK drama Queer As Folk that brought fame to Hunnam. Playing the role of a gay man, Hunnam drew widespread attention as a man with an unusual appeal. In addition to a prominent role in Guillermo del Toro’s robot epic Pacific Rim, he has been appearing in Sons of Anarchy since 2008. As a novel, Fifty Shades ran into controversy for depicting sadomasochistic sex. The film will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.