There have been so many rumors about who will replace Charlie Hunnam as Christian Grey in the movie "Fifty Shades of Grey." According to a new report by Hollywood Life, Robert Pattinson was offered the role but turned it down because he couldn't fit it into his schedule.
The website does not say if Pattinson was offered the role before or after Hunnam quit. It was rumored that the 27-year-old actor was E.L. James' number one pick to play the billionaire. The two even hung out together over the summer at a party Pattinson was throwing for a friend.
"The real reason Rob turned down 'Fifty Shades of Grey' is that it just doesn't fit his work schedule," a source said. "He read the script and was more than flattered when he was offered the role, but he already committed to like three other films. It had nothing to do with the film someone prolonging his sex status 'Twilight' image."
The actor currently has three movies in pre-production: "Mission: Blacklist," "Queen of the Desert" and "Hold on to Me." The source said Pattinson was interested in the role but was too busy to sign on. There have been several rumors about why Hunnam dropped out of the movie. One report claims the 33-year-old actor was afraid of being typecast.
"He dropped out of the project because he didn't want to be typecast," a source told People magazine. "He didn't want the Robert Pattinson-esque attention that would come along with taking on this role."
Following his exit Universal Pictures and Focus Features released a statement saying that the 33-year-old's busy TV schedule wasn't allowing him to prepare for the role even though "Sons of Anarchy" will wrap before the November start date for "Fifty Shades."
"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," the statement read.
The studios are trying to hurry up and find a replacement for Hunnam. Producer Michal De Luca was at the Hollywood Film Awards and told reporters that the actor cast to replace Hunnam was going to be a newcomer even though fans were upset before that both the lead roles went to relatively unknown actors.
"I feel like everyone has an idea of what these characters look like and sound like, so to present the world with fresh faces - where no pre-conceived notions or baggage come with it is best," he said. "It's like casting Superman or James Bond. A fresh face is appropriate."
