Rumors about behind-the-scenes tumult surrounding the "Fifty Shades of Grey" films have been running rampant in recent weeks, with director Sam Taylor-Johnson reportedly ready to bolt from the franchise. Allegedly close behind her? Star Jamie Dornan.

Dornan, who plays titular billionaire -- and S&M enthusiast -- Christian Grey in "Fifty Shades of Grey," has reportedly made it clear that he'd rather not reprise his role in the two planned sequels, "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed." According to Australian gossip magazine NW (via Yahoo! Movies UK), Dornan's desire to leave is fueled by the uncomfortable nature of the film's graphic sex scenes, his lack of chemistry with co-star Dakota Johnson, and the tension the steamy flick is causing in his marriage to actress Amelia Warner.

Here's what an "insider" told NW about Dornan's concerns:

Jamie said the movie would skyrocket his career.

He tried to assure Amelia nothing would change but women all over the world now lust after Jamie. She hasn't seen the film and I don't think she will to be honest.

Jamie does not think his performance was bad – instead he blames Dakota and says it wasn't possible to have chemistry with her.

He says Dakota gave him nothing to work with.

Warner's trepidation about the flick has been well-documented, with Dornan telling a reporter that his wife had no interest in watching "Fifty Shades." And as reported by Defamer, Dornan and Johnson allegedly can't stand each other.

All that being said, this is nothing but a rumor for now, and considering the anonymous source, should remain one until Dornan or studio Universal issues an official comment on the matter. We can't imagine it will be easy for Dornan to walk away from all the money that "Fifty Shades" has to offer (and he no doubt has some sort of clause in his contract concerning the sequels), though with author E.L. James reportedly jockeying for more control over future scripts, he may not want to stick around for more.

Stay tuned. It seems the drama is only just starting to unfold.

[via: NW magazine b/w Yahoo! Movies UK]