Charlie Hunnam says quitting Fifty Shades of Grey role was 'worst professional experience' of career

The Sons of Anarchy actor has revealed pulling out of the film was a bad decision
'Heartbreaking': Charlie Hunnam opens up on quitting the role of Christian Grey
Jacopo Raule/Getty
Emma Powell11 September 2015
The Weekender

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Charlie Hunnam has described turning down a role in Fifty Shades of Grey as the “worst professional experience” of his career.

Hunnam, 35, was set to play the role of businessman and S&M fanatic Christian Grey in the film adaptation of the E L James novel, but he pulled out due to his “immersive TV schedule”. The role was filled by Jamie Dornan.

Speaking to V Man the Sons of Anarchy actor said: “"It was the worst professional experience of my life.

"It was the most emotionally destructive and difficult thing that I've ever had to deal with professionally. It was heartbreaking."

Fifty Shades of Grey

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A statement released by Universal at the time read: "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."

Hunnam had also signed to star in Guillermo del Toro's Crimson Peak and did not want to back out.

"I'd given Guillermo my word, over a year before, that I was going to do this film," he said.

"[Leaving 50 Shades] was deeply unpleasant and challenging emotionally. I really, really pride myself on being a professional and a man of keeping my word.

"There was a lot of personal stuff going on in my life that left me on real emotional shaky ground and mentally weak."

The actor was keen to insist that nudity had not forced him to quit the role.

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