Joaquin Phoenix has dropped out of a gay romance film just five days before filming was due to commence in Mexico – after reportedly getting ‘cold feet’ over the project.
The Joker star, 49, and Top Gun: Maverick actor Danny Ramirez, 31, were set to play onscreen lovers in the 1930s in Todd Haynes’ untitled film which was to include ‘explicit sexual content’ – but per Variety – losses on the film could now exceed seven figures after Phoenix’s abrupt departure.
Phoenix developed the screenplay for the detective love story with Haynes and Jon Raymond – with a source saying the actor had trepidation over the project amid rumors he was uncomfortable with the film’s graphic sex scenes.
The film was set to be rated NC-17 and feature a relationship that will ‘challenge’ audiences.
Entire sets had reportedly been built in Guadalajara before Phoenix exited the film.
Joaquin Phoenix has dropped out of a gay romance film just five days before filming was due to commence in Mexico – after reportedly getting ‘cold feet’ over the project – pictured November 2023
The crew allegedly speculate that Phoenix’s exit was to do with the steamy scenes – although other sources counteract that as Phoenix brought the project to Haynes initially.
Haynes told Variety in September 2023 that Phoenix began creating the film with ‘fragments of ideas’, adding: ‘Basically it was just this wonderful, organic way to create the script. And Joaquin was pushing it further into more dangerous territory, sexually.’
The film – produced by Killer Films and backed by MK2 Film- ‘hinged’ on Phoenix’s casting and had already to international distributors.
Sources now say Phoenix’s role cannot be recast, the crew is out of work and stakeholders still need paying.
DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Phoenix and Haynes for comment.
Phoenix will next be seen onscreen in Joker sequel Folie à Deux alongside Lady Gaga – set for release October 4.
Joker: Folie À Deux is the much-anticipated follow-up to 2019’s Academy Award-winning Joker, which earned more than $1 billion at the global box office and remains the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.
The new film stars Phoenix once again in his Oscar-winning dual role as Arthur Fleck/Joker, opposite 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 onscreen lovers in the 1930s in Todd Haynes’ untitled film which was to include ‘explicit sexual content’
Phoenix developed the screenplay for the detective love story with Haynes (pictured 2021) and Jon Raymond – with a source saying the actor had trepidation over the project amid rumors he was uncomfortable with the film’s graphic sex scenes
Joker: Folie À Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker.
‘While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him,’ a press release shared.
Phillips directed the film from a screenplay by fellow Oscar nominee Scott Silver & Phillips, based on characters from DC.
Phoenix will next be seen onscreen in Joker sequel Folie à Deux alongside Lady Gaga – set for release October 4
The film was produced by Phillips, Oscar nominee Emma Tillinger Koskoff and Joseph Garner.
Lady Gaga served as music consultant.
Joaquin and Rooney quietly welcomed their first child, son River, in August 2020. Mara confirmed she was expecting a second child in February.