Todd Haynes’s Gay Romance Project in Limbo After Joaquin Phoenix’s Exit

Producer Christine Vachon Addresses Reports of Phoenix’s Departure

Christine Vachon, longtime producer of Todd Haynes’s Killer Films, has addressed reports of Joaquin Phoenix’s exit from Haynes’s untitled gay romance project.

The project was thrown into chaos after Phoenix reportedly quit days before filming was scheduled to begin in Guadalajara, Mexico. Reports said sets had been built and members of the production were owed money.

After declining to comment on Friday, People reported that Vachon took to social media on Saturday, stating, “A version of this did happen. It has been a nightmare.”

Vachon also addressed the backlash against casting a straight actor in an LGBTQ+ role, saying, “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).”

Background on the Project

Vachon and Haynes have collaborated for decades on a roster featuring Far From Heaven, I’m Not There, May December, Carol, The Velvet Underground, Safe, and Poison.

Speaking at the American Pavilion in Cannes last year, Haynes said Phoenix had brought the idea to him and the pair developed the screenplay with Jon Raymond.

The 1930-set drama revolved around two men who fall in love and leave California for Mexico. Danny Ramirez from Top Gun: Maverick was cast as Phoenix’s love interest.

At the time Haynes said he believed the film would get an NC-17 rating, which Motion Picture Association gives to features containing extreme episodes of graphic sex, violence, or drug use. mk2 Films boarded the project as sales agent prior to EFM in Berlin.

Conclusion

The future of the project remains uncertain, with Phoenix’s reasons for departing Haynes’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated May December remaining unclear. Despite the setback, Vachon and Haynes have a long history of collaboration and are likely to continue working together in the future.

FAQs

Q: Why did Joaquin Phoenix exit the project?

A: The reasons for Phoenix’s departure remain unclear.

Q: What is the status of the project?

A: The project is currently in limbo, with the future uncertain.

Q: Will Christine Vachon and Todd Haynes continue to work together?

A: Yes, despite the setback, Vachon and Haynes have a long history of collaboration and are likely to continue working together in the future.