Joaquin Phoenix dropped out of a movie he was set to star in just five days before filming began, Indie Wire first reported. Phoenix was poised to take a in Todd Haynes’ untitled gay romance film that was set to start filming in Mexico but has stepped back from his duties, according to . In addition to his starring role, Phoenix had also developed the screenplay for the detective love story, alongside Haynes and Jon Raymond.
A source close to the situation came forward to say Phoenix got “cold feet” in advance of shooting, according to . LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 16: Joaquin Phoenix attends the “Napoleon” UK Premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on November 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage) Getty Images The crew believes Phoenix exited due to the graphic nature of the sex scenes in the film, but other sources challenged the theory, since they say that it was Phoenix himself who brought the idea to Haynes in the first place, according to the outlet.
Killer Films produced the movie, and sales agent MK2 Film backed it. The project is expected to suffer significantly as a result of Phoenix’s decision not to proceed with filming. Sources close to the matter said the film had already been sold to international distributors ahead of the movie’s production, and the sale was hinged on Phoenix’ role.
Phoenix’s role will not be recast, which presumably means the future of the entire project is in peril, according to Variety. Joaquin P.