Bad news, '50 Shades of Grey' fans: Charlie Hunnam has cracked the whip and dropped out of playing Christian Grey in the upcoming big screen adaptation of the beloved softcore novel. We're not sure how you'll break this news to your mothers, but our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.

Variety reports that Hunnam, star of 'Pacific Rim' and the FX drama series 'Sons of Anarchy,' has exited the cast of '50 Shades of Grey.' But don't worry -- it's not because the content was too steamy for the star. Hunnam's schedule for filming 'Sons of Anarchy' conflicted with the shooting schedule for '50 Shades,' so it was with a heavy heart that he employed the use of his safe word, took off his leather, and found the nearest exit door.

Hunnam was cast alongside newcomer Dakota Johnson (playing Anastasia Steele) in the adaptation of the book, billed as "mommy porn." The film had only recently begun casting, and had added 'Contagion' star Jennifer Ehle to the cast as Anastasia's mother.

The clock is ticking for Universal and Focus Features to find a replacement for Hunnam, as the film is set to begin shooting relatively soon for an August 2014 debut. Now's about the time that pesky internet petition to get Matthew Bomer cast as Grey starts making the rounds again.

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