Joaquin Phoenix walked out on his role in director Todd Haynes’ romantic drama. It has been reported that the ‘Joker‘ actor quit his agreement with Haynes. The film is scripted for a gay romance plot. Joaquin was planned to star beside the ‘Top Gun: Maverick‘ actor Danny Ramirez. The untitled film’s crew are devasted over the last-minute change.
Joaquin had approached the Oscar-nominated filmmaker with the idea of the movie. However, the ‘Napolean‘ actor backed out five days before filming was planned to begin. Joaquin’s exit must be a major blow to the plans of the film. But why did he quit in the first place?
Related: ‘Joker’: How Joaquin Phoenix’s DC Film Makes A Case For The Sympathetic Anti-Hero
Joaquin Phoenix Got ‘Cold Feet’
Joaquin Phoenix had come up with the idea of a gay romance and approached Todd Haynes to direct the film. The untitled film is planned to be set in 1930s Guadalajara, Mexico. The Oscar-winning actor was to begin filming beside Danny Ramirez, who is to appear in Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World in 2025. However, Joaquin dropped out five days before filming began.
Media has been approaching Joaquin’s team to comment on his exit. So far, no statement has been released. The Hollywood Reporter claims that their source has not denied that Joaquin got cold feet last minute. Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler were on board as producers and sources claim that around a seven-figure has been spent on the film.
The film’s producer Christine Vachon confirmed Phoenix’s exit on Facebook. She wrote, “A version of this did happen. It has been a nightmare. 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. (and for those of you who HAVE — know that you are making a terrible situation even worse).”
Will Joaquin’s Role Be Recast?
As of yet, Joaquin’s vacated role has not been recast. The filming crew are disappointed over the last-minute change in plans. Last year, Haynes had a good run with his Netflix production, ‘May December‘. The film starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore was nominated for an Oscar for Best Screenplay. However, the filmmaker seems to be in a fix since the Joaquin bailed.
Meanwhile, Joaquin is set to appear on screen in ‘Joker: Folie a Deux‘ on 4 October 2024. The Warner Bros. film also stars Lady Gaga as the Joker’s love interest, Harley Quinn. The film series is loosely based on the DC comics. Its first film of the series, Joker released in 2019, earned Joaquin an Oscar.
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