Joaquin Phoenix Exits Todd Haynes’ Gay Romance Just 5 Days Before Production

Todd Haynes’ untitled detective movie about two men in love and fleeing to Mexico has been put on hold after Joaquin Phoenix, one of the film’s stars and co-writers, abruptly exited the project mere days before production was set to commence.

Phoenix had teamed up with Haynes and Jon Raymond to develop the screenplay for the intense gay romance. Raymond, known for his work with Kelly Reichardt, was collaborating with Haynes for the first time.

According to sources, Phoenix, who was to play a crucial role in this explicit love story, withdrew from the project five days before filming was scheduled to start in Guadalajara, situated in the Jalisco state of Mexico. At that time, Phoenix was already present on location.

Haynes had assembled a crew in Mexico for the film, which was backed by sales agent MK2 Films. Global sales efforts began ahead of the European Film Market in February, but the project collapsed by early July.

Financing for the film was reportedly dependent on Phoenix’s involvement, as it was set to be a likely NC-17-rated period piece set in the 1930s. “Joaquin was pushing me further and going ‘No, let’s go further,’” Haynes mentioned, indicating that the film would push boundaries in terms of explicit content.

During his press tour for Haynes’ 2023 Netflix film “May December,” the director revealed to IndieWire that Phoenix was the catalyst for the project. “The whole experience was prompted by Joaquin,” Haynes said, emphasizing Phoenix’s daring desire to explore uncomfortable aspects of the relationship portrayed in the film.

Despite reaching out to representatives for Joaquin Phoenix and Killer Films, there have been no comments from Killer Films regarding Phoenix’s sudden departure.

Haynes was intent on making the film as graphic as possible in terms of its gay sex scenes. The untitled film would have marked Phoenix’s first gay onscreen role.

An actor leaving a project so close to the start of filming puts many in a difficult position. A source with insight into the film’s finances revealed that multiple stakeholders, from financiers to crew, still require compensation. Danny Ramirez, of “Top Gun: Maverick” fame, had joined the cast as Phoenix’s love interest just before the initial shooting schedule.

Killer Films, led by Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, has produced all of Haynes’ films. According to sources, Phoenix is not expected to return to the project, and there are no current plans to replace him. For now, the primary focus is ensuring everyone who committed their time to the project is appropriately compensated.

Following the project’s halt, Haynes is shifting his attention to directing the limited series “Trust,” an adaptation of Hernan Diaz’s novel about upper-class financial ruin in the 20th century. The series will feature Kate Winslet and will be produced by HBO. Haynes will collaborate with Jon Raymond on the script.

Meanwhile, Phoenix recently wrapped up filming Ari Aster’s Western comedy “Eddington” in New Mexico this past May.

Source: IndieWire