IndieWire was first to report that Joaquin Phoenix had pulled out of the film just five days before shooting was set to begin.
Phoenix was set to star in an untitled gay romance movie directed by Todd Haynes, which is set to begin shooting in Mexico, but has reportedly backed out of the role. IndieWireIn addition to starring in the film, Phoenix also wrote the screenplay for the detective love story with Haynes and Jon Raymond.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Phoenix “flinched” before filming began. Variety.
LONDON, UK – NOVEMBER 16: Joaquin Phoenix attends the UK Premiere of “Napoleon” at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London, UK on November 16, 2023. (Photo by Samir Hussain/WireImage) Getty Images
Crew members believe Phoenix dropped out because of the film's sexually explicit content, but other sources dispute this, claiming that it was Phoenix himself who first approached Haynes with the idea, the outlet reported.
The film is being produced by Killer Films and is backed by sales agent MK2 Films. With Phoenix cancelling filming, the project is expected to take a major hit. Sources familiar with the matter say the film had already been sold to an international distributor before production and the sale was contingent on Phoenix's role. Variety reports that Phoenix's role will remain the same, which may mean the future of the entire project is in doubt.
Joaquin Phoenix has dropped out of director Todd Haynes' untitled gay romance movie.
With no plans to recast the film, production was shelved.
(https://t.co/LvRDpNjhKl) pic.twitter.com/nzAFM2VTdA
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) August 9, 2024
The funds had already been spent on set construction and many other expenses, and the entire crew dedicated to the film was laid off without notice. Variety reports that those involved in the film are owed payments as part of paperwork that has already been processed, with losses estimated to be in the seven figures.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – NOVEMBER 16: Joaquin Phoenix attends the UK Premiere of the film Napoleon at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on November 16, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Danny Ramirez, who previously starred in Top Gun: Maverick, will star in the film as Phoenix's love interest, and it has been reported that the film will be rated NC-17. (Related: Quentin Tarantino cancels production on 'The Movie Critic': Report)
Phoenix has yet to make an official comment on the matter, and it is unclear whether any negotiations are underway to salvage the film.
