“Joaquin Phoenix Reveals Troubling Reasons Behind Shocking Exit from Controversial Gay Romance Film”
According to Deadline, Phoenix had reportedly stormed off the set of the movie leaving the film in limbo for two weeks prior to its cancellation. Producers, having to deal with the financial ramifications of Joaquin’s departure, tried to put the movie back together unsuccessfully.
“Production is dead, and not paused, as there are no plans to recast the role played by The Joker Oscar winner. Crew members on the Guadalajara, Mexico set are due money,” Deadline wrote.
Joaquin Phoenix addressed his last-minute exit from Todd Haynes’ explicit gay romance movie during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival
Image credits: Samir Hussein/ Getty
“It would just be sharing my opinion and the other creatives aren’t here to share their piece,” said Phoenix in a press conference at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
“It doesn’t feel like that would be right. I don’t think that would be helpful so I just don’t think I will. Thank you.”
IndieWire, who first reported on the issue on August 9, 2024, stated that the actor had gotten “cold feet” due to the explicit nature of the film’s NC-17 sex scenes, which were expected to push the boundaries of said rating.
Image credits: DC Films
Variety would later report that the losses experienced by the film’s production exceeded seven figures, as crew members had already built sets in Mexico and were awaiting payment. Stakeholders were also expected to receive compensation, further exacerbating the film’s financial strain.
Haynes revealed that both the film’s plot and the nature of its intimate content were all Joaquin Phoenix’s idea, saying that the actor constantly encouraged him to “go further”
