Haynes Project Back on Track After Joaquin Phoenix Exit

Todd Haynes’s Untitled Gay Romance Hit with Uncertainty After Joaquin Phoenix’s Exit

The future of Todd Haynes’s untitled gay romance film is shrouded in uncertainty following the news that Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix has reportedly exited the project just days before production was set to begin in Mexico.

Haynes and his regular producers at Killer Films had lined up a Guadalajara shoot for the 1930s-set story about two men who fall in love and leave California for Mexico. According to a report by Indiewire, Phoenix was still in California when he pulled out of the project, with Danny Ramirez from Top Gun: Maverick set to play the role of the love interest.

The reason for Phoenix’s departure remains unclear, but it’s understood that he was a driving force behind the project. Haynes has previously spoken about the film’s explicit content, stating that it’s likely to receive an NC-17 rating due to its graphic sex, violence, or drug use scenes.

mk2 Films boarded the project as sales agent prior to the EFM in Berlin, but neither the company nor Killer Films has commented on Phoenix’s exit. Phoenix is expected to attend the Venice Film Festival for the upcoming world premiere of Joker: Folie a Deux.

Conclusion

The uncertainty surrounding the project’s future may lead to a recasting of the lead role or even a re-evaluation of the entire project. With the film’s production now in limbo, fans and critics alike will be keeping a close eye on any developments regarding the film’s future.

FAQs

Q: Why did Joaquin Phoenix exit the project?
A: The reason for Phoenix’s departure remains unclear.

Q: Will the project be recast or scrapped?
A: It’s uncertain at this time, but options could include recasting the lead role or re-evaluating the entire project.

Q: Has Todd Haynes commented on the situation?
A: No, Haynes or his representatives have not made a statement regarding Phoenix’s exit.

Q: Is mk2 Films still involved in the project?
A: Yes, mk2 Films boarded the project as sales agent prior to the EFM in Berlin.