Charlie Hunnam: ‘Jamie Dornan Will Be A Great Christian Grey In ‘50 Shades Of Grey’ Movie,’ Says Former ‘Fifty Shades’ Star

The former Christian Grey has spoken. TV star Charlie Hunnam spoke out regarding his abrupt departure from the “Fifty Shades of Grey” film franchise this week, saying he has nothing but high hopes for his successor, actor Jamie Dornan.

For the first time since quitting “Fifty Shades of Grey” in October, former Christian Grey actor Hunnam discussed his replacement and his thoughts on the movie, which he said he quit due to his “immersive filming schedule” for the FX series “Sons of Anarchy.” “I’m sure he’ll do a great job,” Hunnam said, despite admitting to TMZ that he is not familiar with the “Once Upon a Time” star’s body of work.

“I don’t really know his work, but I know Sam [Taylor-Johnson], the director, is amazing. She has fantastic taste so I’m sure he’ll do a great job,” Hunnam later added.

Despite his openness in discussing his successor, Hunnam remained mum when asked his opinion of his former “Fifty Shades of Grey” co-star, actress Dakota Johnson.

Last month, author of the erotica series, E.L. James, announced that Dornan would be taking Hunnam’s place in the film adaption of her best-selling novel. “Stow your twitchy palms ladies ... our man is here,” James posted on Twitter, adding, “Welcome to #TeamFifty @JamieDornan1.” Following Hunnam’s decision to quit the series, James, 50, also took to Twitter, saying, “I wish Charlie all the best.”

According to a report from People, one of Hunnam’s reasons for quitting was his concern about becoming "the next big thing." The magazine reported in October that Hunnam feared achieving “Robert Pattinson-esque” fame and potentially being “typecast” in future projects.

Hunnam’s comments comes just a week after Dornan and Johnson posted together as their characters (BDSM-obsessed billionaire Christian Grey and his sexually inexperienced lover, Anastasia Steele) for the first time on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. Following the Christian Grey casting shakeup, EW reported that the film’s premiere date has been pushed back six months and will be released in theaters February of 2015.