Charlie Hunnam, the former star of the Fifty Shades of Grey film, has finally spoke for the first time since he made his shocking decision last month. Meanwhile, producer Michael De Luca again threw his support behind Dakota Johnson, who is still attached.
Hunnam made an appearance at a Burbank event for the One Hearts Source charity for Africa, joining other members of the Sons of Anarchy cast. He spoke with E! News, stating, “I am doing good. I am just really concentrating on work. It's been a really busy time.”
He continued, “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.” He was referring to the death of his father, Billy, who passed away in May.
Hunnam added that when they finish filming the current SoA season, “I am going to go to England and see my people and then I have a film that I am doing with Guillermo[del Toro]. So I am going to go and do that and concentrate on the final seasons of Sons.”
(The Del Toro film he’s referring to is Crimson Peak, which will reunite him with his Pacific Rim director.)
E! News also spoke with De Luca at the 2013 Hollywood Film Awards Monday. He called Johnson “our rock,” adding, “She's just so Anastasia Steele. She's the best partner a producer could have.”
De Luca added that Johnson has been instrumental in helping them find a replacement for Hunnam, since chemistry with her will be important to landing the role of Christian Grey.
Last week, it was reported that Johnson is still committed to the project and that a new writer was hired to look over the script. Universal and Focus Features are still looking to release the film on Aug. 1, 2014. Sam Taylor-Johnson is still directing the film version of E.L. James’ best seller.
image: FX/Fox