Oscars 2020: Joaquin Phoenix pays tribute to late brother River Just before the cameras were set to roll on Todd Haynes' unnamed LGBTQ romance in Mexico, leading man Joaquin Phoenix made a shock exit from the production. A producer involved with the film has now described the situation as a 'nightmare'. The movie was poised to chart the journey of two men, portrayed by Phoenix and 'Top Gun: Maverick' actor Danny Ramirez, as they leave the US for Mexico.
The narrative promised to present a relationship intended to "challenge" viewers, complete with a "strong sexual component." Last year, Haynes shared details of the storyline with Variety, stating: "It's a love story between two men set in the 30s that has explicit sexual content that or at least it challenges you with the sexual relationship between these two men. One is a Native American character and one is a corrupt cop in LA.
It's set in the 30s. They have to flee LA ultimately and go to Mexico. But it's a love story and with a strong sexual component.
" Haynes revealed that Phoenix had been advocating for the film to explore "more dangerous territory, sexually." Nonetheless, the 49 year old actor withdrew from the project just days before production commenced, with sources claiming to Variety that he got "cold feet", reports the Mirror . Joaquin Phoenix was playing a key role in the film's direction (Image: BANG Showbiz.
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