"Fifty Shades of Grey" has found a replacement for Charlie Hunnam. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jamie Dornan will play Christian Grey in the film adaption of E.L. James' best-selling novel.
Universal Pictures and Focus Features have not officially made the announcement but a source told THR that the actor is definitely in negotiations to replace Hunnam. Reportedly the 31-year-old Irish actor was approached to play Grey before Hunnam officially dropped out and he had a "very successful" test on Friday with Dakota Johnson (Anastasia Steele).
The source said director Sam Taylor-Johnson, author E.L. James and producers Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca were all pleased with the test and the chemistry between Dornan and Johnson. Billy Magnussen and Francois Arnaud also tested on Friday.
Hunnam abruptly dropped out of the movie a week and a half ago. Universal and Focus released a statement saying Hunnams's "immersive TV schedule" was not allowing him to prepare for the role but other reports claim that wasn't the real reason.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, sources revealed that Hunnam really quit because he was uncomfortable with all the attention the role was getting. "Fifty Shades" producers were forced to hire bodyguards for the actor so he could attend the "Sons of Anarchy" premiere. Reportedly, two of his appearances to promote the show had to be canceled because of the constant attention.
The source also said that Hunnam had a few problems with Kelly Marcel's adaption of the book. Following, Hunnam's exit the studios announced that Patrick Marber was hired to clean-up the script.
If the "Once Upon a Time" actor closes the deal with Universal and Focus he would be signed on to do three, and possibly four, "Fifty Shades" movies. it all depends on how well the first one is perceived.
Do you think Jamie Dornan will be a better Christian Grey?
