Washington [US], August 10 : Joaquin Phoenix has unexpectedly exited Todd Haynes' highly anticipated untitled gay romance film, just five days before production was scheduled to commence in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Variety has confirmed that this sudden departure has left the project in disarray, with significant financial and logistical repercussions.
Phoenix, who had been deeply involved in the development of the screenplay alongside Haynes and Jon Raymond, reportedly decided to withdraw from the film at the last moment.
According to reports obtained by Variety, the actor experienced "cold feet," despite the extensive preparation already completed, including the construction of elaborate sets.
The film, which was produced by Killer Films and supported by sales agent MK2 Film, had already secured international distribution agreements prior to Phoenix's departure.
The unexpected exit has raised concerns about the project's viability, with industry insiders suggesting that Phoenix's role cannot be easily recast, according to Variety.
This predicament has reportedly resulted in a halted production and potential financial losses exceeding seven figures, affecting both the crew and the film's stakeholders.
Danny Ramirez, joined the cast in July to play Phoenix's love interest.
The film, described by Haynes as a "love story between two men set in the '30s with explicit sexual content," was expected to be rated NC-17 and push boundaries with its portrayal of a challenging relationship, reported Variety.
Speculation among the crew points to the film's graphic sex scenes as a possible reason for Phoenix's withdrawal, as per Variety.
However, this theory is met with confusion, as Phoenix had originally championed the film's NC-17 concept and its provocative themes.
Haynes had previously shared that the film began with Phoenix's "fragments of ideas," which the director and Raymond then developed into a narrative.
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