Joaquin Phoenix’s abrupt exit from an untitled homosexual romance drama is being known as a “nightmare” by one of many film’s producers.
In a since-deleted Fb put up reported on by The Hollywood Reporter, Christine Vachon obliquely addressed Phoenix’s departure from the NC-17-rated undertaking, which made information on Friday, simply 5 days earlier than the movie was set to begin capturing in Guadalajara, Mexico. Based on THR, the undertaking is now not occurring following Phoenix’s exit.
Vachon, whose Killer Movies manufacturing firm was tied to the film, confirmed the stories over the weekend as she shared an article about Phoenix dropping out and wrote on Fb, “A version of this did happen. It has been a nightmare.”
Neither Phoenix nor the movie’s staff, which included director Todd Haynes, have revealed the “Joker” star’s causes for leaving the undertaking, though a supply near the film instructed Selection that the actor bought “cold feet.”
The outlet famous that the movie, which was first dropped at Haynes by Phoenix himself, wouldn’t be capable of recast his position, and the failed manufacturing might lose buyers as a lot as seven figures.
Gareth Cattermole through Getty Photos
In her Fb put up, Vachon additionally addressed criticism the film acquired over casting a straight man because the lead within the queer romance set within the Thirties. Phoenix was set to star reverse “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Danny Ramirez.
“If you are tempted to finger wag or admonish us that ‘that’s what you get for casting a straight actor’ — DON’T,” she wrote.
“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),” she continued.
Haynes, who typically explores the sophisticated aspect of gender and sexuality in his movies, beforehand stated Phoenix was deeply concerned with the film’s creation.
“We basically wrote with him as a story writer,” the director instructed IndieWire in an interview on the 2023 Cannes Movie Competition. “Joaquin was pushing me further and going, ‘No, let’s go further — this will be an NC-17 film.’”
Phoenix will subsequent seem in director Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux,” alongside Girl Gaga. The movie has plans for an October launch.
