Just five days before the scheduled start of filming in Mexico, Joaquin Phoenix dropped out of the production of a gay romance film – after allegedly getting “cold feet” about the project.
The 49-year-old “Joker” star and 31-year-old “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Danny Ramirez were set to play on-screen lovers in the 1930s in Todd Haynes’ untitled film, which was said to contain “explicit sexual content.” But according to Variety, the film’s losses could now exceed seven figures following Phoenix’s abrupt exit.
Phoenix developed the script for the detective love story along with Haynes and Jon Raymond – a source said the actor had concerns about the project as there were rumors he was uncomfortable with the film’s explicit sex scenes.
The film should be rated NC-17 and show a relationship that will “challenge” the audience.
According to reports, entire sets were built in Guadalajara before Phoenix dropped out of the film.
Joaquin Phoenix has dropped out of a gay romance film just five days before filming was scheduled to begin in Mexico – after reportedly getting “cold feet” about the project (Image: November 2023)
The crew reportedly speculates that Phoenix’s exit had something to do with the hot scenes – but other sources contradict this, as Phoenix initially passed the project on to Haynes.
Haynes told Variety in September 2023 that Phoenix started making the film with “fragments of ideas,” adding, “Basically, it was just this wonderful, organic way of writing the script. And Joaquin made it even more sexually dangerous.”
The film – produced by Killer Films and backed by MK2 Film – hinged on the Phoenix cast and has already been given to international distributors.
According to sources, Phoenix’s role cannot be recast, the crew is out of work, and those involved still need to be paid.
DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Phoenix and Haynes for comment.
Phoenix will soon be seen on screen alongside Lady Gaga in the Joker sequel Folie à Deux, which is scheduled to premiere on October 4.
Joker: Folie À Deux is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 Oscar-winning film Joker, which grossed over $1 billion at the worldwide box office and remains the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.
In the new film, Phoenix can be seen again 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’s Danny Ramirez (pictured last month), 31, were set to play 1930s lovers in Todd Haynes’ untitled film, which was said to contain “explicit sexual content.”
Phoenix developed the script for the detective love story with Haynes (pictured in 2021) and Jon Raymond – a source said the actor had concerns about the project amid rumors he was uncomfortable with the film’s explicit sex scenes.
Joker: In Folie À Deux, Arthur Fleck is in Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as the Joker.
“While struggling 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 states.
Phillips directed the film from a screenplay by Oscar nominee Scott Silver and Phillips, based on DC characters.
Phoenix will next be seen 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 music consultant.
Joaquin and Rooney quietly welcomed their first child, son River, in August 2020. Mara confirmed in February that she is expecting a second child.
