Joaquin Phoenix recently made headlines after withdrawing from an explicit film project just before production began. Although the actor has remained largely silent over the issue, reports suggest a possible reason for his sudden departure.
In a May 2023 interview, director Todd Haynes disclosed that he and actor Joaquin Phoenix had co-developed a period gay romance with Jonathan Raymond. Haynes mentioned that this project would be his next film.
Todd Haynes attends the “May/December” Headline Gala premiere during the 67th BFI London Film Festival on October 6, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
“The next film is a feature that’s an original script that I developed with Joaquin Phoenix based on some thoughts and ideas he brought to me. We basically wrote with him as a story writer. Me and Jon Raymond and Joaquin share the story credit,” Haynes divulged.
Known for embracing extreme roles, Phoenix encouraged Haynes to explore bold, adult themes. Haynes recalled the movie star’s influence, stating, “Joaquin was pushing me further and going ‘No, let’s go further.'”
Joaquin Phoenix during the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 19, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Haynes explained that the script was developed in an organic and collaborative process, with the Academy Award winner pushing the project into more risky territory, particularly its sexual content.
Haynes described the movie as an NC-17-rated period piece set in 1930s Los Angeles. The film was set to focus on a gay love story.
Todd Haynes attends the “May December” photocall at the 76th annual Cannes film festival on May 21, 2023, in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
Speaking at the U.S. premiere of “May December” in September 2023, Haynes updated fans on the film’s progress. He shared that they had completed the script right after filming “May December” and before the industry strike.
Haynes credited Phoenix for inspiring the project, praising his “daring” and willingness “to push through barriers.” He noted that the Golden Globe Award winner’s desire to explore uncomfortable aspects of a relationship was central to the story’s development.
Joaquin Phoenix attends the UK premiere of “Napoleon,” 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The untitled film aimed to begin production in Mexico once Phoenix became available. The plot would have focused on Phoenix’s character and his lover fleeing to Mexico.
Haynes expressed his wish to work with many of the same team members from “May December” for this new venture. However, the timing depended on Phoenix’s availability due to delays from the strike and other postponed commitments.
Joaquin Phoenix during the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2020, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Yet, Phoenix unexpectedly withdrew from the untitled film just five days before production was set to begin in Guadalajara, Mexico. Despite initial plans moving forward, he dropped out while still in Los Angeles, and the project fell apart in July 2024.
Haynes had already assembled a crew in Mexico, with sales agent MK2 Films backing the production and securing international deals. Sources indicated that the film’s financing was dependent on Phoenix’s involvement.
Joaquin Phoenix attends the Los Angeles premiere of “Beau Is Afraid,” 2023 | Source: Getty Images
His sudden exit left numerous stakeholders, including financiers and crew members, awaiting compensation. Phoenix’s abrupt departure from the film on such short notice is believed to have resulted in losses exceeding seven figures.
The Grammy Award winner recently attended a press conference with his co-star Lady Gaga during the Venice Film Festival to promote “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster. In the film, Phoenix returns to the Oscar-winning role that made him famous as the iconic comic-book character.
An X user reacted to Phoenix’s presence during the conference. The user noted the actor’s high spirit when he entered the room filled with press members.
Phoenix maintained a positive and unexpectedly open demeanor during the press conference. Several minutes in, a journalist wanted to know why the actor decided to exit the Haynes film. He started to respond but then paused, taking a moment to reconsider before continuing.
“If I do, I would just be sharing my opinion from my perspective, and the other creatives aren’t here to share their piece. It doesn’t feel like that would be right. I don’t think that would be helpful, so I just don’t think I will,” Phoenix said before cheerfully thanking the press.
Social media users expressed their approval of Phoenix’s action. “I agree it was HIS decision to make and he did. I hope they cast it well. Now with all the buzz it should be a great showing,” wrote one Facebook user. Another expressed, “Huge respect for him.” Someone else was glad about the actor’s decision, stating, “I’M SO HAPPY HE DID.”
Another user noted that going ahead with the production may have resulted in unfavorable circumstances for Phoenix, writing, “He made the right decision. Think it potentially could have hurt his career.”
Another individual emphasized, “He made the RIGHT choice.” As Phoenix received backlash for pulling out of the production while everything had been set up, one user came to his defense. “No reason to criticize him. Respect his values and his personal choice. Actors are allowed to choose the roles they take, you know,” said the individual.
While Phoenix didn’t state exactly why he withdrew from the Haynes film, an insider has since speculated the reason behind his decision. A source close to the production revealed that the Hollywood star had gotten “cold feet” before his sudden exit.
Ever since the news of his exit made headlines, a publication reached out to Phoenix and Killer Films’ representatives, but Killer Films’ reps declined to comment.
Joaquin Phoenix attends a special screening of “Joker” on September 25, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Haynes had expressed his intent for the film to feature explicit gay sex scenes, and it would have marked Phoenix’s first gay role on screen. However, sources indicated that Phoenix is unlikely to rejoin the project, and Killer Films is not currently seeking a replacement.
For now, the priority is compensating those who invested time in the production as they had already sold the movie to international distributors.
Joaquin Phoenix attends the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar party on February 9, 2020, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
In the wake of Joaquin Phoenix’s unexpected departure, the future of the untitled Todd Haynes film remains uncertain. With production halted and significant financial losses incurred, the project faces an uphill battle to recover.
As fans await further updates, the focus now shifts to compensating those involved and finding a way forward without one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors.