Exiting 'Fifty Shades of Grey' still haunts Charlie Hunnam

Los Angeles: Actor Charlie Hunnam is still devastated by his "Fifty Shades of Grey" exit.

The "Pacific Rim" star spoke about his decision to decline Christian Grey's role in the erotic thriller for "Crimson Peak," calling it the most heartbreaking moment in his professional life, reported Aceshowbiz.

"It was the most emotionally destructive and difficult thing that I've ever had to deal with professionally. It was heartbreaking," he said.

The 35-year-old actor said he had to choose between the two films but he already promised Guillermo del Toro.

"I'd given Guillermo my word, over a year before, that I was going to do this film. People were saying, 'Are you crazy? Guillermo still has got four months to recast, it's the fourth lead, you can go and do this (instead).' I said, 'I can't. He's my friend.'"

However, the actor feels proud of himself for being out-and-out professional.

"I really, really pride myself on being a professional and a man of keeping my word. It means a lot to me, truly."