James Dornan tapped to replace Charlie Hunnam in 'Fifty Shades of Grey'
Tim Whitby/Getty ImagesJamie Dornan has signed on to play kinky business magnate Christian Grey in 'Fifty Shades of Grey.'
A new actor has submitted to being tied up with 'Fifty Shades of Grey.'
Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan has signed on to portray Christian Grey in the first movie adaptation of E.L. James' best-selling S&M-themed trilogy to replace Charles Hunnam, Variety reported.
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Hunnam had bolted from the project last week after reports that he had been turned off by the scrutiny from vocal fans of the books who swarmed the Internet to express their outrage over the casting of the 'Sons of Anarchy' star and unheralded Dakota Johnson in the lead roles - after months of rumors involving bigger Hollywood names.
Universal Pictures' official explanation for Hunnam's departure was the actor's rigorous TV schedule.
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'I have had some family stuff going on so just trying to stay focused and stay positive and keep trying to do a good job at work and be with my family and stay positive,' the actor told E! News earlier this week.
But Hunnam's exit added to an ongoing headache for director Sam Taylor-Johnson and producers considering the high visibility of a property that sold more than 70 million copies (and counting) worldwide. The part of the millionaire S&M enthusiast was reportedly previously turned down by both 'Tron' actor Garrett Hedlund and Ryan Gosling. Novelist Bret Easton Ellis, who is not affiliated with the movie, claimed James told him Robert Pattinson was her first choice for the role.
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And Dornan himself is far from a big name.
The 31-year-old Northern Irish actor is best known on this side of the pond for playing Sheriff Graham Humbert on ABC's 'Once Upon a Time.'
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But the early buzz on Twitter seemed to be overwhelming positive based largely on the former Calvin Klein model's rugged good looks.
'Oh hello there, Mr. Grey. Lead me to this Red Room you speak of. Now!,' tweeted one female fan.
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