Charlie Hunnam, who was cast to play the lead in the highly anticipated erotic romance Fifty Shades of Grey, has opted out, Universal Pictures announced this past Saturday.

Universal Pictures stated that Hunnam's commitment to Sons of Anarchy caused him to bow out of the role. Hunnam's hectic TV schedule would not allow him time to amply prepare for his role as Christian Grey.

BUT, it is being rumored that that's a lie. According to sources, Hunnam simply got cold feet, and didn't want to be remembered for a salacious role, much like how Elizabeth Berkley will always be remembered for her role in Showgirls.

Nonetheless, Hunnam, 33, certainly made fans of the novels very happy with news of his resignation; being that his placement as the steamy lead caused an outcry from devout readers. Fans were hoping to see Ian Somerhalder, Matt Bomer or Robert Pattinson in that role, and when Hunnam was selected instead of one of the other men, fans reacted strongly and even produced a petition with 80,000 signatures.

Hunnam and Fifty Shades of Grey E.L. James were starkly aware that he physically was not the ideal person for the role, but they were confident that he would've been able to embody the character of Christian Grey.

"There are so many fans of that book and I know that on the surface, I am probably not what everybody imagined," Hunnam said to Entertainment Weekly. "Because reading is so personal and people bring a character to life in their imagination, they feel ownership of the character. That's daunting, if I allowed myself to think about it too much," he added. "I am taking it very seriously and intend to explore the nature of who this character is, what motivates him - and also dress up nice and look good in those suits."

E.L. James posted, "I wish Charlie all the best. X," on her Twitter in regards to his departure.

Hunnam and his team could not be reached for questions.