`Fifty Shades of Grey’ Casting News: Charlie Hunnam pulled out of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” the upcoming erotic thriller from Universal and Focus films.

Universal said Charlie Hunnam decided to yank himself from “Fifty Shades of Grey due to conflicts with his TV schedule for “Sons of Anarchy” on FX. Charlie Hunnam was over-reaching and couldn’t make both projects work.

Hunnam most recently starred in “Pacific Rim,” which was directed by Guillermo Del Toro. Hunnam, 33, has also appeared in the films "Cold Mountain," "Children of Men" and "The Ledge."

"Fifty Shades of Grey" sold more than 70 million copies and thrust E.L. James to worldwide fame and wealth. Along with Simon Cowell and Howard Stern, E.L. James is tied for third on Forbes’ top-earning celebrities list for raking in $95 million this year. When news broke about the “Fifty Shades of Grey” casting E.L. James tweeted “The gorgeous and talented Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Matt Bomer was the fan’s favorite choice to play Christian Grey, barely edging out Henry Cavil, who played the “Man of Steel” and Ian Somerholder of “Vampire Diaries.”

“Fifty Shades of Grey” still star Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele. Dakota Johnson is best known for her hot scene with Justin Timberlake in "The Social Network." Before Dakota Johnson started acting, the first official “50 Shades of Grey” cast member was a model at IMG. Dakota Johnson is currently shooting a modern-day re-telling of Shakespeare’s “Cymbeline.”

“Fifty Shades of Grey” casting rumors took over the internet all summer. Early "Fifty Shades of Grey" casting rumors included well-known names like Alexis Bledel, Emma Watson and Armie Hammer.

After the `Fifty Shades of Grey’ casting new was released a petition pulled 20,000 signatures to recast the film with Alexis Bledel and Matt Bomer.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” devotees took their campaign to Change.org, a web platform, to let the masters of the film know they get no pleasure from the casting of Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson the movie that will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. “Gilmore Girl” aficionados launched an online petition protesting “Fifty Shades of Grey” casting.

The Change.org petition says: "Matt Bomer is the PERFECT DESCRIPTION OF CHRISTIAN GREY AND ALEXIS BLEDEL IS THE PERFECT ACTRESS TO REPRESENT ANASTASIA STEELE and if THEY ARE NOT, NOBODY WILL BE And I read the whole trilogy and I can assure that Matt is the perfect actor for this movie and Alexis too. So please PLEASE, all of the GREYsessed and Bomerettes in the world NEED those actors. They always will be for us the Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. WE CAN DO ANYTHING GUYS, ANYTHING."

“Fifty Shades of Grey” producer Dana Brunetti took to Twitter to explain "There is a lot that goes into casting that isn't just looks. Talent, availability, their desire to do it, chemistry with other actor, etc. So if your favourite wasn't cast, then it is most likely due to something on that list. Keep that in mind while hating and keep perspective."

One commenter wrote “Matt Bomer is perfect to play this role… He’s the only Christian Grey. He is a great actor and he can fit the character perfectly… No Bomer No Movie.”

"Fifty Shades of Grey" will probably could get an NC-17 or R rating for its sex scenes, though it's unclear how much of the book's racy content will make it to the screen.

"Fifty Shades of Grey" will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, who helmed Nowhere Boy. The screenplay for the movie adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey” was written by Kelly Marcel, who wrote Saving Mr. Banks.

Focus will release “Fifty Shades of Grey” on Aug. 1, 2014.