Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix has pulled out of a new gay drama just days before filming was due to begin.
Phoenix was set to be the co-leading actor in the film directed by Todd Haynes. Phoenix cannot be recast, meaning the entire project has been called off at the last minute.
Original Plans in Tatters
Phoenix was meant to star alongside Danny Ramirez (Top Gun: Maverick) in an explicit gay love story set in the 1930s.
The film was set to have an NC-17 rating due it’s explicit sexual nature. Haynes had previously said the film “challenges you with the sexual relationship” between the two male leads.
Was Phoenix Uncomfortable With The Subject Matter?
Phoenix is known for his method acting, a practice that the actor has admitted previously took a toll on his mental health; going to rehab after playing Johnny Cash in _Walk the Line_.
A source told Page Six that the “subject matter of the [Haynes] film was a factor” in Phoenix pulling out last minute. However, this contrasts with Phoenix’s previously enthusiastic attitude about the film.
A Shocking Change of Heart
“What was so remarkable is that it all started with Joaquin having some ideas and some thoughts and just questions and images,” Haynes previously told Variety.
Haynes added that Phoenix had been the one “pushing [the film] further into more dangerous territory, sexually.”
Original Plot
The canceled film was set to follow two men, played by Phoenix and Ramirez, who leave California and head to Mexico.
Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler were set to produce, while MK2 films had taken on the role of sales representative. The explicit nature of the film, as well as Haynes rich cinematic record, had generated significant discussion in the lead up to filming.
Haynes’ Celebrated Filmography
Haynes’ films, like _Poison, May December _and _Velvet Goldmine, _are known for centering LGBT+ stories.
His film _Carol, _featuring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara,_ _previously received six Oscar nominations. Mara has been in a relationship with Phoenix since 2016.
Haynes’ Plans in Tatters
The canceled film has left crew members in Mexico waiting to be paid before the production is officially declared dead.
Reports say that Haynes is now focusing on adapting Hernan Diaz’s novel _Trust_ for HBO – which will feature Kate Winslet.
Phoenix’s Future
Phoenix last appeared in Ridley Scott’s _Napoleon _and finished filming _Eddington _alongside Emma Stone.
The _Joker _sequel, led by Phoenix, is set to premiere next month at the Venice film festival. So far, Phoenix has yet to comment on his sudden departure from Haynes’s project.
Phoenix Condemned For ‘Unprofessional’ Behavior
On social media, Phoenix weathered strong condemnation for his withdrawal. “Really unprofessional. Disrespectful to everyone involved in the film,” Tweeted one person.
“Why accept the offer in the first place if he had doubts? Now, people have to suffer because of him. Pathetic,” posted someone else. Meanwhile, many Twitter users suggested that Haynes never should’ve cast Phoenix for the role because he is not gay.
‘A Nightmare’: Haynes Responds
Haynes confirmed reports that Phoenix had walked off set last minute, saying, “A version of this did happen. It has been a nightmare.”
He added, “And PLEASE — if you are tempted to finger wag or admonish us that ‘that’s what you get for casting a straight actor [in a gay role]’ –DON’T. This was HIS project that he brought to US.”
