Joaquin Phoenix walked off the set of a gay-themed romantic drama by American director Todd Haynes, five days before filming was set to begin in Mexico.
The actor reportedly stormed off the set and the project, which has yet to be named, is in jeopardy.
According to Variety magazine, Phoenix had developed the script for the detective love story with directors Haynes and Jon Raymond. However, a source close to the magazine said that the actor “got cold feet.”
Why Did Joaquin Phoenix Leave the Gay-themed Film?
Variety reports that Joaquin Phoenix exited Todd Haynes’ detective romance movie 5 days before filming was to start because he got “cold feet.”
He developed and co-wrote the film with Haynes. Entire sets had been built, the crew is now out of work, and stakeholders in the film… pic.twitter.com/jdnxH9PR0f
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) August 9, 2024
Entire sets had been built for the project in Guadalajara before the Oscar winner decided to walk off the set.
Production is currently on hold following the departure of Joaquin Phoenix and there are no plans to rehire the actor, according to several specialized American media.
Read also: We Need to See It ASAP! Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga Amazes Fans in First Trailer for Joker 2
In addition, the actor’s departure has caused huge losses amounting to seven figures, according to team members.
Danny Ramirez, who starred in “Top Gun: Maverick” had been chosen to play Phoenix’s co-star and love interest.
According to Variety, the magazine tried to contact the actor and director for details about what happened, but neither responded to the request for comment.
According to sources from various media, the issue of graphic scenes could have been the trigger for the actor’s departure, however, this does not match, since it was Phoenix himself who presented the project.
Todd Haynes is considered one of the most prominent representatives of the New queer cinema that emerged in the United States and his filmography includes LGBT-themed films such as Carol, Velvet Goldmine or Shiva Baby.
