Charlie Hunnam recently opened up about his decision to drop out of Fifty Shades of Grey and how Dakota Johnson, who starred in the film, playfully gave him a hard time for it. Initially cast as Christian Grey in 2013, Hunnam left the project due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Jamie Dornan taking over the role. This change shaped the film series as fans know it today.
Hunnam Discusses His Departure and Encounter with Dakota Johnson
During an interview promoting his new role in Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Charlie Hunnam revisited the subject of leaving Fifty Shades of Grey. He recalled a recent encounter with Dakota Johnson, who teased him about his exit in a lighthearted manner. Hunnam admitted he never looked back on the decision and revealed he had not seen the films starring Johnson. He acknowledged that he was not thinking clearly when signing up for the role but emphasized he has no regrets about stepping away.
The Emotional Impact of Leaving the Role
Hunnam’s reflections come nearly a year after he shared the one regret connected to his withdrawal from the franchise. In a past interview with TMZ, he joked about missing out on the financial success the films brought. However, at that time, he had not yet watched the movie but expressed an interest in doing so. Ten years earlier, he described his exit as “the worst professional experience” of his life during a V Man interview.
It was the most emotionally destructive and difficult thing that I’ve ever had to deal with professionally,
Hunnam said, adding that it was “heartbreaking.” — Charlie Hunnam, Actor
Reasons Behind Hunnam’s Decision to Leave Fifty Shades of Grey
In the same interview, Hunnam explained his reasons for stepping down, citing a prior commitment to Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak. He had promised del Toro his participation over a year earlier, stating that despite others criticizing him and suggesting he was “crazy,” he chose to honor that commitment. Hunnam pointed out that del Toro still had four months to recast the Crimson Peak role, but he refused to abandon the project out of respect and loyalty to the director.
The Emotional Goodbye with Director Sam Taylor-Johnson
Hunnam revealed that he personally informed Fifty Shades of Grey’s director, Sam Taylor-Johnson, about his decision to leave. He described the phone call as emotionally charged, sharing that they cried together for 20 minutes as they discussed the unexpected departure.
The Lasting Significance of Hunnam’s Departure
Charlie Hunnam’s choice to exit Fifty Shades of Grey impacted the direction of both his career and the film series itself, paving the way for Jamie Dornan to become synonymous with Christian Grey. Despite the emotional toll and professional challenges, Hunnam’s loyalty to Guillermo del Toro’s project proved decisive. His recent encounter with Dakota Johnson also highlights the lasting connections formed during that tumultuous time. Looking ahead, Hunnam continues to evolve as an actor, embracing new roles without dwelling on past decisions.
