'Fifty Shades Of Grey' Movie Rumors: 6 Reasons Why ‘Fifty Shades’ Film May Never See The Light Of Day

When news broke in 2012 that E L James’s best-selling erotic novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” would be adapted for the big screen, the film was hailed a potential blockbuster. One year later, rumors of trouble brewing behind-the-scenes are beginning to circulate about the upcoming flick following actor Charlie Hunnam’s departure from the film saga. Here are six reasons why the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie may never see the light of day:

FILMING SCHEDULE

Long before filming began, it was confirmed that “Fifty Shades of Grey” was set to debut in theaters on Aug. 1, 2014. With the premiere date looming and no confirmed lead for the film, the future isn’t looking bright for the highly anticipated romance feature. According to a report from the Hollywood Reporter Saturday, the film was originally scheduled to begin filming in Vancouver on Nov. 1^st after Hunnam wrapped production on season six of his FX series, “Sons of Anarchy.” The studio has yet to comment on whether the film will be pushed back due to casting changes.

NO CHRISTIAN GREY

Following Charlie Hunnam’s sudden departure from the “Fifty Shades of Grey” film Saturday, the Internet has been buzzing about who will take over the coveted role of Christian Grey. While six actors, including former “Once Upon a Time” star Jamie Dornan and most recently French Canadian "The Borgias" actor François Arnaud are rumored to be leading contenders to star, Universal Pictures has yet to announce who will replace the “Sons of Anarchy” TV actor.

PROBLEMS WITH THE SCRIPT

With less than one month left before filming is scheduled to begin on “Fifty Shades of Grey,” the Hollywood Reporter confirmed Monday that Universal Pictures hired a new writer to revise the script. (Dialogue which actress Chloe Bridges originally referred to as sexually “intense”.) Playwright Patrick Marber was allegedly hired to “polish” the script and for “character work.” Despite rumors that one of Hunnam’s reasons for leaving the film was due to creative difference regarding the script, sources told THR that hiring a writer to polish a script is standard protocol in Hollywood.

LACK OF FAN SUPPORT

Ever since James officially announced the names of the actors set to take on the films’ lead roles in September, fans have revolted against the movie with the Change.org petition, “We want Matt Bomer and Alexis Bledel as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele on 50 Shades.” As of Friday morning, the petition had over 88,734 signatures (38,734 more than after the leads were first announced last month) pleading for filmmakers to recast the film’s remaining star, former “Ben and Kate” sitcom actress Dakota Johnson, who is set to play Anastasia Steele, Christian Grey’s love interest.

SMALL BUDGET

Despite the success of fellow book saga film adaptions including “The Hunger Games,” “Twilight” and “Harry Potter” to name a few, the budget for “Fifty Shades of Grey” is reportedly shockingly small. The Hollywood Reporter released a source’s claims Wednesday that despite the story's large fanbase, Hunnam would only be paid $125,000 for his work on the film.

DAKOTA JOHNSON

Following claims that Hunnam wasn’t appreciative of his sudden rise in fame following the announcement he would be starring in “Fifty Shades,” fellow star, actress Dakota Johnson, is also reportedly struggling with her newfound celebrity. “Dakota is having a very hard time dealing with all the press,” a source told E! News Monday regarding the 24-year-old actress. “When she first got the role, it was way too much for her … It’s been tough,” the source later added.