Todd Haynes Opens Up About Joaquin Phoenix’s Departure From Gay Romance Film

Todd Haynes recently addressed the shocking exit of Joaquin Phoenix from their long-anticipated gay period drama, just five days before filming was set to begin. The director shared his thoughts during a conversation at the Marrakech Film Festival on December 6, 2024.

The Sudden Exit

The project, which had been in development for years, was described as a sexually explicit gay romance set in the 1930s Los Angeles and Mexico. Phoenix had been set to star in the lead role, with Danny Ramirez from Top Gun: Maverick also involved. According to Haynes, the film was meant to explore the complex relationship between a corrupt L.A. cop and a Native American. However, Phoenix’s sudden departure earlier this year put the production in jeopardy.

Haynes revealed that the situation was tough for him, but he remains hopeful that the project might still have a future. He said, “What happened this summer was tough, but the film itself and the script itself may resurrect in a different form someday.”

Phoenix’s Silence and Public Reaction

Phoenix, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay with Jon Raymond, had stayed silent on the matter for months. In September 2024, at a press conference for Joker: Folie à Deux, Phoenix explained that he did not feel it would be appropriate to speak about his departure without Haynes present. He added, “I think, if I do, I’d just be sharing my opinion from my perspective and the other creatives aren’t here to say their piece, and I just don’t feel like that would be right.”

Although Phoenix did not offer a clear explanation for his exit, the actor’s silence fueled speculation, and it remained unclear whether financial or personal reasons led to the decision.

A Financial Gamble

At the time Phoenix left the film, it was revealed that the project’s financing was heavily reliant on his involvement. Sources confirmed that the film could not proceed without him, and there were no plans to recast his role. This situation left the future of the film uncertain, with Haynes and his team still hopeful that they could find a way to bring it to life in some form.

A Cultural Loss

Christine Vachon, a longtime producer for Haynes, expressed her disappointment at the sudden end of the project. She described it as a “tragedy” that a film from such a visionary director, known for works like Carol and The Velvet Goldmine, had to end so abruptly. Vachon added, “The idea that [Haynes’] time was wasted… That is the tragedy to me.”

She emphasized the cultural loss of not seeing another project from a director who had contributed significantly to LGBTQ cinema.

Despite the setback, Danny Ramirez, who was set to play a key role, shared his thoughts on how Phoenix’s departure had affected him. In an October 2024 interview, Ramirez said, “It was definitely disappointing,” but he found a silver lining in the experience. The actor mentioned that the situation motivated him to continue pushing forward with his work.

“We just have to keep driving, keep pushing, and knowing that we’re on the right path,” Ramirez said. His determination shows that while the film may be on hold for now, the passion for the project remains strong.

Future of the Film

Although it’s uncertain if the film will ever see the light of day in its original form, Haynes remains hopeful. He suggested that the film’s script might return “in a different form someday,” leaving room for the possibility of the project being resurrected in the future.

For more updates on Todd Haynes and his upcoming projects, stay tuned to Vviptimes.

Source:

Entertainment Weekly