Just five days before filming began, Joaquin Phoenix has canceled his participation in his next film, which will be directed by Todd Haynes.
This has sparked a wave of rumors surrounding the new film, as well as theories about why Phoenix might have dropped out in the first place. But details are scarce, and few people have commented on the facts.
The script for the untitled gay novel was developed by Phoenix himself along with Todd Haynes and Jon Raymond. It was described as a “detective romance” and was a “love story between two men set in the 1930s with explicit sexual content.”
Since then, there has been a lot of speculation and criticism, so here’s everything we know about Phoenix’s exit and the fate of the project itself.
Phoenix reportedly got “cold feet” before production
On August 9, 2024, it was reported that Phoenix had left the production of Todd Haynes’ gay romance five days before filming was due to begin.
The first report came from IndieWire and was later confirmed by Variety, which also reported that neither Haynes nor Phoenix had responded for comment. In the hours that followed, neither party has commented on why Phoenix left the project.
As such, There is no confirmed reason why Phoenix left the film. However, a source close to the production reportedly claimed that the actor got “cold feet” before filming.
Many believe this is due to the subject matter, but that is pure speculation at this point. It also contradicts what was known about the film – namely that Phoenix himself co-developed the idea.
“Basically, it was just this wonderful, organic way of writing the script,” Haynes told Variety in September 2023. “And Joaquin took it even further into more dangerous territory sexually.”
According to Deadline, the production is now “dead” and there are no plans to recast the role.
Why is there headwind for Phoenix?
The situation has led to some backlash from the public. This is mainly because the project depended on the casting of Phoenix from the beginning and the crew may now be out of work.
It is believed that the film’s crew and cast will now be left without work, as the exit will occur within five days of the set production date. Variety also reported that sources claimed the “project is in jeopardy.”
It also says that the resulting “losses could exceed a seven-figure amount.”
Shortly after the news broke, producer Christine Vachon confirmed the details, saying the situation had been “a nightmare.”
“A version of this actually happened,” Vachon wrote in a (seemingly now deleted) Facebook post. “It was a nightmare. And PLEASE – if you’re tempted to wag your finger or admonish us that ‘this is what happens when you cast a straight actor (in a gay role)’ – DON’T. This was HIS project that he brought to the US.”
on facebook.On social media, fans expressed their disappointment over the fate of the project and blamed Phoenix.
“Joaquin Phoenix may be a good guy, but this is a stupid stunt. You can’t just back out after you’ve put so much into it,” wrote one X-user.
“Anyone who says they have a right to their dignity clearly doesn’t know what acting is. Dropping out of a project they co-wrote and produced just five days before filming begins is tactless,” said another.
A third argued: “This makes it infinitely harder for future queer films to get funding. Not only does he throw every single person entrusted with this job under the bus. I know a lot of people will be rooting for him, but…”
“Thinking of the cast and crew. The cast and crew have blocked their schedule on this project. It’s a terrible situation and I feel for those who had plans for that paycheck,” noted another.
Phoenix will soon be making the rounds for his upcoming film Joker: Folie à Deux. Be sure to check back for updates on the Haynes project as they arrive.
For more, check out the best new movies of 2024. You can also check out the best TV shows to stream this month and find out what’s happening at D23.
