‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ fiasco discussed at studio meeting; recasting of Grey on track

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – NBC-Universal employees have been told the recasting of Christian Grey in the company’s film version of the erotic bestseller “Fifty Shades of Grey” will be finalized in the next few weeks.

A company-wide “town hall” on Wednesday covered a variety of subjects but “Fifty Shades” was the inevitable hot topic in the wake of last weekend’s announcement that Charlie Hunnam was dropping out as Christian Grey, according to an NBC-Universal employee who attended the meeting.

The source, who requested anonymity because the meeting was private, also said NBCU officials confirmed “Fifty Shades” will still be released next year and that co-star Dakota Johnson remains committed to her role as Anastasia Steele.

The meeting was held primarily to introduce Jeff Shell, who is taking over as Universal Pictures co-chairman.