A couple of months since his surprise casting as Christian Grey, British-born actor Charlie Hunnam has decided to break a few women’s hearts by departing from the upcoming Fifty Shades of Grey film.

Universal Pictures and Focus Pictures issued a joint statement to clarify the Pacific Rim star’s unexpected departure from the project.

“The filmmakers of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ and Charlie Hunnam have agreed to find another male lead given Hunnam’s immersive TV schedule which is not allowing him time to adequately prepare for the role of Christian Grey.”

Hunnam is currently starring as Jax Teller in the acclaimed FX television series Sons of Anarchy but was unable to commit making both that and the Fifty Shades film.

Adapted from EL James‘ hit novel series, the big-screen erotic drama will focus on the steamy relationship between billionaire Grey and his student lover Anastasia Steele (played by newcomer Dakota Johnson).

Jennifer Ehle (The King’s Speech, Zero Dark Thirty) has also been cast in the upcoming film as Anastasia’s mother with British filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy) directing it.

The Fifty Shades film will be released in cinemas on August 1st 2014.

In the meantime, the producers will have to seek a new leading man to replace Mr Hunnam!