The abrupt departure of Joaquin Phoenix from Todd Haynes’ yet-to-be-named romance film has caused a stir in Hollywood, leading to various reactions, including the potential for legal repercussions. The actor’s sudden exit, which occurred merely days before filming was scheduled to start, has caused uncertainty and disruption.
Phoenix’s decision has not only put the project on hold but has also affected the cast and crew, many of whom had already arrived in Guadalajara, Mexico in preparation for shooting when the news came out.
Phoenix, 49, who initially introduced the project to Haynes, worked on the script with the director and writer Jon Raymond. The film, set in the 1930s, was envisioned as a daring exploration of a detective romance between two men, with the intention of challenging audiences with its NC-17 rating. Reports suggest that Phoenix had been pushing the film into a more “steamy erotic territory,” making his sudden exit even more baffling.
The future of the film hangs in the balance following Phoenix’s departure, which sources attribute to “cold feet.” His decision to leave just five days before the start of production has put the film in a difficult position, with sets already built and substantial financial commitments made. “There’s been a huge amount of outrage,” one studio executive remarked, echoing the widespread frustration within the industry.
Phoenix, known for his method acting and intense preparation, has previously shown hesitation before significant roles. For instance, he nearly abandoned Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” unless certain conditions were met. In a 60 Minutes interview with Anderson Cooper, Phoenix confessed that he often feels “petrified” when accepting a role, fearing he won’t “find the right kind of place to express” his ideas.
The fallout from Phoenix’s decision could be substantial. The film, produced by Killer Films and financed by MK2 Film, had already been sold to international distributors. Its failure could result in losses exceeding one million dollars. The production team and cast, including actor Danny Ramirez, known for his roles in “Top Gun” and “Maverick,” who was slated to play Phoenix’s love interest, are now left figuring out their next steps.
While there has been discussion of potential legal action against Phoenix, reminiscent of Kim Basinger’s breach of contract in the 1993 “Boxing Helena” case, some believe a financial settlement is more probable. A source suggested that Phoenix might settle for a low seven-figure sum, considering his substantial earnings from his “Joker” films.
The controversy emerges at a crucial time for Phoenix, who is about to embark on the promotional tour for “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the highly anticipated sequel to his Oscar-winning role. However, the drama surrounding his exit from Haynes’ film could overshadow the tour. Despite this, many industry experts believe Phoenix’s career is unlikely to suffer long-term damage due to his exceptional talent and bankability.
Christine Vachon of Killer Films shared the story on Facebook, stating about Phoenix’s withdrawal, “It has been a nightmare…This was HIS project that he brought to US.”
Currently, the future of Haynes’ untitled film is uncertain. With Phoenix’s departure, the project may never be realized. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on how the production team and Phoenix will manage the aftermath.