Why did Joaquin Phoenix exit Todd Haynes' gay romance film days before production? Explained

In one of the more shocking stories to come out of Hollywood recently, actor Joaquin Phoenix reportedly exited from Todd Hayne's gay romance drama just 5 days before production was set to begin. Originally reported by Indiewire, it looks like the film is likely to be shelved altogether now as Phoenix's role can't be recast, and a lot of the production was reliant on him.

While Joaquin Phoenix's reasoning for leaving has not been officially revealed, Variety reported that the actor got "cold feet" and left the film because of it. Further, the film's producer Christine Vachon confirmed on Facebook, in a now-deleted post, that Phoenix left the project, and described the entire situation as a "nightmare".

She also defended Phoenix being cast in the film saying that it was him who brought the project to her and Haynes.

"A version of this did happen. It has been a nightmare. If I haven't been in touch or returned your call-- this is why. 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)," said Vachon.

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Joaquin Phoenix originally pitched Todd Haynes the film

The idea for the yet untitled film was brought to Todd Haynes by Joaquin Phoenix. While promoting his critically acclaimed film May December last year, Haynes confirmed to IndieWire that Joaquin Phoenix was the "driving force" behind the project. He said that Phoenix kept pushing the film to be NC-17, meaning that it would be unsuitable for audiences below the age of 18.

"Joaquin was pushing me further and going ‘No, let’s go further.’ This will be an NC-17 film. The whole experience was prompted by Joaquin. It was prompted by his daring, his desire to push through barriers and to really get into the uncomfortable places about this relationship. And yet it felt like a very organic process," said Haynes.

The film was set to co-star Danny Ramirez, who was last seen in Top Gun: Maverick and is set to star in Captain America: Brave New World as well. The film would have also been Phoenix's first on-screen gay role and would have featured many graphic and intimate scenes as well.

While not many details were available about the plot of the film, it was speculated that it would be taking place in the 1930s. It was also described to be a love story between the two men that was set to take place in that time period.

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Joaquin Phoenix's exit has reportedly left the film in a disarray

As per the report by IndieWire, it was also stated the filming was set to begin in Mexico, but rather Phoenix dropped out of the film in Los Angeles and never made it to location. Sets for the film were reportedly already built, and filming was set to commence in just five days, but now his exit has left the entire production in disarray.

With the film not moving forward anymore, heavy losses are set to be incurred as Phoenix's role allegedly can't be recast. It also means that the financiers have to be paid, and the crew members have gone out of jobs as well.

For further updates on the topic, be sure to stay tuned with us.