Todd Haynes’ new film has hit a snag after its lead actor exited the project just five days before filming was scheduled to begin. The untitled period drama is described as an intense romance set in the 1930s exploring a relationship between two men. Joaquin Phoenix had been working closely with director Todd Haynes and screenwriter Jon Raymond to develop the story. However, last week Phoenix unexpectedly withdrew from his starring role.
Sources confirm Phoenix’s sudden departure last Thursday has created challenges for the production team, which was already on location in Guadalajara, Mexico ready to start shooting. As the film’s lead, Phoenix’s involvement was key to securing financial backing for the project.
In an interview at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Haynes said Phoenix was encouraging him to push creative boundaries with the film’s explicit content. Phoenix has a reputation for committing fully to bold, unconventional roles. His withdrawal days before filming was scheduled to begin came as a shock.
The loss of its top-billed star so close to the start of production has thrown the film’s future into question. Crew members and cast, including Danny Ramirez who joined as Phoenix’s love interest, are now uncertain about the film’s status.
Replacing Phoenix may be difficult given his star power and importance in developing the script. For stakeholders who invested based on Phoenix’s participation, the situation underscores challenges that can arise from last-minute changes in the unpredictable film industry.
Haynes appears to be turning his attention to other work while the fallout from Phoenix’s exit is addressed. This includes an adaptation of Hernan Diaz’s novel “Trust” for HBO starring Kate Winslet. Whether Haynes’ period drama will still move forward in its original form remains unclear. Fans will see Phoenix next in “Joker: Folie à Deux” premiering at the Venice Film Festival in September and the recently wrapped western comedy “Eddington.”
