In a surprising twist that has left Hollywood buzzing, Joaquin Phoenix has dropped out of his highly anticipated collaboration with acclaimed director Todd Haynes, just five days before the film was set to commence production. The project, an intense gay romance set in the 1930s, was expected to be a major draw, pairing Phoenix with rising star Danny Ramirez.
Phoenix, who dazzled audiences worldwide with his portrayal of the Joker in 2019, had been deeply involved in this new venture, not only starring but also co-writing the screenplay alongside Haynes and Jon Raymond. The sudden withdrawal has not only halted the production but could potentially cost Phoenix—and the film’s producers—a hefty sum.
The Backstory: What Went Wrong?
The film, which had already stirred excitement due to its bold narrative and Phoenix’s involvement, was set to explore a turbulent love affair between a corrupt cop and a non-white male. The project was being produced by Killer Films and was drawing considerable attention for its ambitious subject matter and star-studded cast.
However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Phoenix’s decision to exit the project at such a critical juncture is being described as a “nightmare” by those involved. Producer Christine Vachon confirmed the news on social media, emphasizing that this was Phoenix’s initiative and that any criticism directed at the production team regarding casting choices was misplaced.
Christine Vachon confirmed the news on social media, stating: “A version of this did happen. It has been a nightmare.”
Vachon made it quite clear that this film was Phoenix’s idea: “And PLEASE — if you are tempted to finger wag or admonish us that ‘that’s what you get for casting a straight actor’ –DON’T. This was HIS project that he brought to US– and Killer’s record on working with LGBTQ actors/crew/directors speaks for itself.”
The Fallout: Lawsuits and Financial Implications
The abrupt exit has set off a chain reaction of challenges for the production team. With significant investments already sunk into the film—estimated to be in the low seven figures—the producers are exploring legal options to recover the losses incurred due to Phoenix’s departure.
Reports suggest that the team was scrambling to find a replacement, with Pedro Pascal’s name being floated as a potential substitute. Unfortunately, Pascal’s packed schedule with projects like Fantastic Four and The Mandalorian made him an impractical choice. Moreover, casting Pascal in the role alongside Ramirez, who was already cast as the love interest, would have been problematic given the film’s narrative and character dynamics.
Phoenix’s Financial Resilience
Despite the chaos surrounding Haynes’ film, Joaquin Phoenix is unlikely to be financially crippled by the situation. The actor is set to earn a substantial $25 million for his role in the sequel to Joker, titled Joker: Folie à Deux. This hefty paycheck is likely to cushion any potential financial blow from the fallout of his recent decision.
What’s Next for the Project?
With the film’s production now in limbo, the future of the project remains unclear. The intense public and media scrutiny, combined with the financial stakes, means that the situation could evolve in various ways. For now, the project is effectively on hold, and the industry will be watching closely to see how it unfolds.
Joaquin Phoenix’s dramatic exit has undoubtedly caused a significant ripple in Hollywood, highlighting the risks and complexities involved in high-stakes film productions. As the film world watches and waits, it’s clear that this latest development will be a topic of discussion for some time to come.