Joaquin Phoenix has abruptly exited Todd Haynes’ planned romantic drama, just five days before filming was set to begin in Guadalajara, Mexico. The untitled project, which was to focus on an intense gay romance set in the 1930s, will no longer move forward without Phoenix, who was central to its development.
The film, which co-starred Danny Ramirez of Top Gun: Maverick fame, was produced by Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler under Killer Films, with MK2 Film handling sales. However, with Phoenix’s unexpected departure, the decision has been made not to recast the role, effectively halting the project.
Phoenix, who brought the project to Haynes and collaborated closely with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker, has not commented on his departure. Haynes, known for his critically acclaimed works such as Far From Heaven, Carol, and May December, had been set to direct the feature.
Phoenix’s upcoming projects include Joker:
Folie à Deux, where he stars opposite Lady Gaga, set to release on October 4. The actor also recently appeared in Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, Ari Aster’s Beau Is Afraid, and Mike Mills’ C’mon C’mon. He is also slated to star alongside Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler in Aster’s next feature, Eddington.
The news marks a significant setback for the Haynes project, which now faces an uncertain future.