Joaquin Phoenix has unexpectedly withdrawn from Todd Haynes’ upcoming untitled gay romance film, just five days before production was set to begin in Mexico. The departure has left the project in disarray, with entire sets already built in Guadalajara and international distribution deals in place.
Phoenix had been closely involved in developing the screenplay, a detective love story, alongside Haynes and Jon Raymond. However, sources close to the production revealed to Variety that Phoenix got “cold feet” and decided to exit the film at the last minute. The movie, produced by Killer Films and represented by sales agent MK2 Film, was heavily reliant on Phoenix’s participation, and his departure has thrown the entire project into jeopardy. The role is reportedly irreplaceable, leaving the crew out of work and stakeholders facing potential losses that could exceed seven figures.
Danny Ramirez, known for his role in “Top Gun: Maverick,” had recently joined the cast as Phoenix’s love interest. Haynes had previously described the film as a provocative love story set in the 1930s, featuring explicit sexual content and an NC-17 rating.
Speculation among the crew suggests Phoenix may have reconsidered due to the graphic nature of the film’s sex scenes, though some find this puzzling given that Phoenix initially brought the project—and its daring concept—to Haynes.
Haynes had spoken to Variety in 2023 about how the film originated from “fragments of ideas” proposed by Phoenix, which were then shaped into a full narrative. “Joaquin was pushing it further into more dangerous territory, sexually,” Haynes explained.
Killer Films’ Christine Vachon expressed frustration on social media, sharing the news with the caption, “It has been a nightmare…This was HIS project that he brought to US.”
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