AceShowbiz -

Charlie Hunnam gave his replacement in "Fifty Shades of Grey" a nod of approval. Caught up by TMZ, the "Sons of Anarchy" star thought Jamie Dornan would do a great job as Christian Grey although he did not know about him much.

"I'm sure he'll do a great job," Hunnam said. "I don't really know his work, but I know Sam [Taylor-Johnson], the director, is amazing. She has fantastic taste, so I'm sure he'll do a great job. ...I'm sure she made a great choice."

Hunnam was rumored quitting the project because he was not sure about where the role will take him career-wise. However, he claimed that it was the grueling schedule of "Sons of Anarchy" that stopped him from committing to "Fifty Shades". He said in a previous interview, "I have missed out on a load of huge opportunities because I couldn't make myself available due to [Son of Anarchy]"

However, Hunnam wouldn't bite that hand that feed him. "But then I wouldn't have probably got those opportunities if it wasn't for the show, anyway," he said. "So I just remain very, very grateful and positive about it."

His "Sons of Anarchy" co-star Katey Sagal backed up his reason, believing that it was scheduling problem. Hunnam is already lined up for another movie immediately after "Fifty Shades".

Dornan, who has appeared on "Once Upon a Time", will star opposite Dakota Johnson in the film which is released Valentine's Day 2015.