Joaquin Phoenix’s sudden decision last month to exit Todd Haynes’ untitled romance film just days before production began has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, sparking outrage among industry insiders and raising the specter of potential legal action.
The actor’s abrupt withdrawal has not only left the project in limbo but has also disrupted the lives of the cast and crew, many of whom were already on location in Guadalajara, Mexico when the news broke.
The 49-year-old actor, who initially brought the project to Haynes, developed the screenplay alongside the director and writer Jon Raymond. The film, set in the 1930s, was intended to be a bold exploration of a detective romance, described by Haynes as a “love story between two men” and aimed at challenging audiences with its NC-17 rating. Phoenix had reportedly been pushing the boundaries of the film into more “steamy erotic territory” making his exit all the more perplexing.
Phoenix’s departure, which sources say was due to “cold feet,” has left the film’s future uncertain. “There’s been a huge amount of outrage,” one studio executive noted, reflecting the widespread frustration within the industry. The decision to walk away just five days before filming was set to begin has put the production in a precarious position, with sets already built and significant financial investments made.
This isn’t the first time Phoenix has expressed hesitation before a major role. The actor, known for his method acting and intense preparation, has previously come close to abandoning projects. He almost left Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” unless certain demands were met. In an interview with Anderson Cooper for “60 Minutes,” Phoenix admitted that he often feels “petrified” when accepting a role, worrying that he won’t “find the right kind of place to express” his ideas.
The fallout from Phoenix’s decision is considerable. The film, produced by Killer Films and backed by MK2 Film, had already been sold to international distributors, and its collapse could result in losses exceeding seven figures. The production team, including his co-star, “Top Gun” and “Maverick” actor Danny Ramirez, who was set to play Phoenix’s love interest, is now left scrambling to figure out their next steps.
While there has been talk of potential legal action against Phoenix, with some comparing the situation to Kim Basinger’s breach of contract in the 1993 “Boxing Helena” case, others believe that a financial settlement is more likely. One insider predicted that Phoenix might settle for the low seven figures, given his substantial earnings from his “Joker” films. “As long as they threaten, he’ll settle. It’s nothing to him,” the source commented.
This controversy comes at a critical time for Phoenix, who is set to begin promoting “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the much-anticipated sequel to his Oscar-winning role as the iconic villain. The promotional tour, however, could be overshadowed by the drama surrounding his exit from Haynes’ film. Despite this, many industry experts believe that Phoenix’s career is unlikely to suffer long-term damage. His reticent attitude and unpredictable behavior, while frustrating for some, have not diminished his standing as one of Hollywood’s most talented and bankable stars.
Killer Films’ Christine Vachon posted the story on Facebook, writing about Phoenix’s withdrawal, “It has been a nightmare…This was HIS project that he brought to US.”
For now, the future of the untitled Haynes film remains uncertain. With Phoenix’s departure, the project faces the possibility of never coming to fruition. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on how the production team and Phoenix navigate the fallout.
