50 Shades of Grey film: Charlie Hunnam quits just weeks after being cast as Christian Grey

Charlie Hunnam has quit the film version of Fifty Shades of Grey - just weeks after being cast as its lead male, http://www.mirror.co.uk reports.

He had been set to play Christian Grey in the big screen adaptation of E L James' erotic best seller.

However, the English actor said his busy schedule prevented him continuing in the role, which he initially turned down because of timing issues.

Universal Pictures said Hunnam's withdrawal was a mutual decision.

In a statement, the firm added that the time the actor had to prepare for the film had been limited by his television work.

Hunnam, 33, is best known for his role as Nathan Maloney in the Channel 4 mini-series Queer as Folk.

He also played Pete Dunham in Green Street, a film about football hooliganism.

He had previously said he was "very excited and honored to be entrusted with bringing (Grey's) incredible character to life".

Hunnam said he was not fazed by the film's inevitable sex scenes, adding: "I've always been historically fairly fearless about sexuality in film."

The actor had been set to star alongside 23-year-old Dakota Johnson, who will play Anastasia Steele.

Fifty Shades of Grey will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and is set for release in 2014.

A replacement for Hunnam has yet to be named.