Joaquin Phoenix Drops Out of Todd Haynes’ Gay Romance Film Just Five Days Before Shooting

Joaquin Phoenix has withdrawn from Todd Haynes’ untitled gay romance film just five days before filming was set to start in Mexico, Variety has confirmed.

Phoenix, who had been instrumental in developing the screenplay with Haynes and Jon Raymond, reportedly had a change of heart, leading to the last-minute departure.

The production, which had already built sets in Guadalajara and secured international distribution, is now in jeopardy.

Phoenix’s exit has left the project in a precarious position, with potential financial losses exceeding seven figures due to the need for a replacement and the impact on the crew.

The film, produced by Killer Films and backed by MK2 Film, was anticipated to be a groundbreaking love story set in the 1930s with explicit content. Phoenix’s role was pivotal, and his departure leaves the film’s future uncertain.

Danny Ramirez, who joined the cast in July, was set to play Phoenix’s love interest. Speculation suggests Phoenix’s exit may be related to the film’s graphic sexual content, though sources note that Phoenix was originally enthusiastic about this aspect of the project.

Haynes and Phoenix had initially collaborated on the concept, which started with Phoenix’s “fragments of ideas” and evolved into a narrative under Haynes’ direction.

The film’s NC-17 rating and explicit themes were aspects Phoenix had advocated for.

IndieWire first reported Phoenix’s exit, and Killer Films’ Christine Vachon expressed frustration on Facebook, emphasizing the challenges faced due to Phoenix’s departure.