Joaquin Phoenix has dropped out of a gay romance film just five days before it was due to begin shooting in Mexico after reportedly getting cold feet about the project.
The Joker star, 49, and Top Gun: Maverick actor Danny Ramirez, 31, were set to play on-screen lovers in the 1930s in Todd Haynes’ untitled film that would include “explicit sexual content,” but for Variety – Losses on the film could now exceed seven figures following Phoenix’s abrupt departure.
Phoenix developed the script for the detective love story with Haynes and Jon Raymond, and a source said the actor was concerned about the project amid rumors that he was uncomfortable with the film’s graphic sex scenes.
The film was to be rated NC-17 and feature a relationship that would “challenge” audiences.
Entire sets were reportedly built in Guadalajara before Phoenix left the film.
Joaquin Phoenix has dropped out of a gay romance film just five days before filming was set to begin in Mexico, after reportedly getting cold feet about the project. Pictured: November 2023
The crew reportedly speculates that Phoenix’s departure had to do with the steamy scenes, though other sources contradict this, as Phoenix initially brought the project to Haynes.
Haynes told Variety in September 2023 that Phoenix began creating the film with “shards of ideas,” adding, “Basically, it was a wonderful, organic way of creating the script. And Joaquin was taking it even further into more dangerous territory, sexually.”
The film, produced by Killer Films and backed by MK2 Film, was dependent on casting Phoenix and already had international distributors.
Sources now say Phoenix’s role cannot be restructured, the crew is out of work and stakeholders still need to pay up.
DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Phoenix and Haynes for comment.
Phoenix will next be seen on screen in the Joker sequel, Folie à Deux, alongside Lady Gaga, scheduled for release on October 4.
Joker: Folie À Deux is the long-awaited sequel to Joker, the 2019 Academy Award-winning film that grossed over $1 billion at the global box office and remains the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.
The new film once again stars Phoenix in his Oscar-winning dual role as Arthur Fleck/Joker, alongside Oscar winner Gaga (A Star Is Born).
The Joker star, 49, and Top Gun: Maverick actor Danny Ramirez, 31 (pictured last month) were set to play on-screen lovers in the 1930s in Todd Haynes’ untitled film which is said to include “explicit sexual content”.
Phoenix developed the script for the detective love story with Haynes (pictured, 2021) and Jon Raymond, and a source said the actor had concerns about the project amid rumours he was uncomfortable with the film’s graphic sex scenes.
Joker: Folie À Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized in Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as the Joker.
‘As he struggles with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that has always been within him,’ a press release shared.
Phillips directed the film from a script by Oscar nominee Scott Silver and Phillips, based on characters from DC.
Phoenix will next appear on screen in the Joker sequel, Folie à Deux, alongside Lady Gaga, scheduled for release on October 4.
The film was produced by Phillips, Oscar nominee Emma Tillinger Koskoff and Joseph Garner.
Lady Gaga served as a music consultant.
Joaquin and Rooney quietly welcomed their first child, River, in August 2020. Mara confirmed she was expecting a second child in February.