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Joaquin Phoenix, you’ve got some explaining to do!
The Oscar-winning actor was set to star in a potentially NC-17 gay romance for acclaimed director Todd Haynes (May December, Carol) about two men in 1930s LA who fall in love and have to flee to Mexico.
Well, mere days before production on this untitled film was set to begin, Phoenix himself was on the lam—on the nose, much?
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According to IndieWire, the Joker: Folie á Deux star dropped out just as cast and crew was ramping up to shoot in Guadalajara, Mexico in July, putting the entire production on indefinite hold without him. Per reporting, the rash, last-minute decision left many people in limbo, from the film’s financiers to the production crew who still need to be compensated for their work.
Immediately, speculation turned to why the actor would ditch the project, with many wondering if it had to do with the supposed explicit nature of the story—it was set to be Phoenix’s first gay onscreen role, after all.
But the odd thing was: it was all his idea! “The whole experience was prompted by Joaquin,” Haynes told IndieWire in late 2023. “It was prompted by his daring, his desire to push through barriers and to really get into the uncomfortable places about this relationship.”
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After bringing the idea to the director, the two worked alongside screenwriter Jonathan Raymond (who co-wrote Haynes’ 2011 Mildred Pierce miniseries), and Phoenix continued to push it “further into more dangerous territory, sexually.”
As the news spread across the internet, the cinephiles of Gay Twitter X™ began dragging Phoenix through the mud for leaving Haynes and his crew hanging without a Plan B. Here are just a few of the funniest reactions:
Though neither Phoenix nor Haynes have made official comment, legendary producer Christine Vachon—whose production shingle Killer Films has been behind Past Lives, Boys Don’t Cry, and much of Haynes’ output—took to Facebook to spill some tea.
“A version of this did happen,” she writes, sharing IndieWire‘s reported piece. “It has been a nightmare.”
The producer also went on to clap back at those attempting to paint Phoenix’s departure as a reason why straight actors shouldn’t be cast in queer roles, less they chicken out and decide they don’t want to go gay-for-pay.
“This was HIS project he brought to US,” Vachon adds, “and Killer [Films’] record on working with LGBTQ actors/crew/directors speaks for itself.”
A month ago, news broke that rising star Danny Ramirez (Top Gun: Maverick, the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World) was tapped to appear opposite Phoenix, and the role seemed poised to endear him to both the arthouse film crowd and legions of new gay fans.
Yes, among the many indignities of the film falling apart thanks Phoenix’s departure is the fact that we won’t get to watch Ramirez in this “sexually dangerous” role:
According to Indiewire, Haynes will now focus his attention on limited series Trust for HBO, adapting the Hernan Diaz novel “about upper-class financial ruin in the 20th century,” which will reunite him with co-writer Jon Raymond and their Mildred Pierce star Kate Winslet.
So, does that mean this particular “explicit gay romance” movie is a non-starter? Well, it’s certainly not happening any time soon. As Variety reports, financing for the untitled film very much “hinged on Phoenix’s casting,” so it was unlikely they would’ve found a suitable star replacement on such short-notice.
Still, that didn’t stop the internet from dream-casting the role:
But, hey, maybe this is all part of Phoenix’s method preparation for the role. After all, what’s more gay than completely ditching your plans, right?
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dmarcus
It’s funny that the gays are trashing Phoenix for backing out of a gay role yet all of the actors they suggested as replacements are straight men who they think needs the career boost ?.
I find it weird that the casting director didn’t even bother to look for queer actors before the project or when Phoenix dropped out. That should be the outrage. They just cancelled it. If there are no straight actors in the lead of a queer movie then don’t make it lol. That’s Hollywood! Homophobic as usual.
storm45701
It was Phoenix’s idea; they weren’t looking for queer actors because it was the creation of the actor himself.
Man About Town
Whatever his reasons for this, if the filming hasn’t even begun, why can’t his role be re-cast?
Ca ne make sense pas!
RIGay
Perhaps if the gay character was really closeted, but wore lots and lots of makeup and had a penchant for glorifying anarchy…? Clarification – I am talking about “The Joker” not JD Vance.
Kangol2
I don’t care if it was Phoenix’s original idea, just find an out gay actor who’ll revamp his role, scale down the production to secure funding, and film. Todd Haynes knows better than this. What a waste!
DennisMpls
That’s my question too. The article implies financing only existed because Phoenix was the star, but it’s hard to believe no one could be found who would be a good fit and who could get the financing back. Kevin Spacey was replaced in multiple parts on short notice when he hit his personal issues.
graphicjack
If this was his project, he probably owns the rights to the movie, or at least partial rights. Maybe he refused to allow the film to be recast and go on as planned. I’m sure the production company would have at least considered to recast it if they thought it was possible. Or maybe it’s just too difficult to find an A-list actor at the last minute, particularly if the role called for some ‘dangerous?’ scenes they wouldn’t be comfortable playing, either.
[email protected]
Y’all let’s dumb this down to money. A check was promised, but has yet to arrive.
Beanie16
One major thing everyone has missed is that there was a whole film crew ready on location…add the the preproduction writers, editors, production crew, ect ect ect…A LOT of money was lost because of this and even if he does own some or all of the rights thats a LOT of money just to throw away. And dead to rights it sounds like the blame and financial burden should fall 100% on him. Even if he were stupid enough to try and say others were to blame I can’t see a judge or jury siding with him especially after quitting at the last minute
barbrasings
At the risk of seeming shallow and superficial, I can think of a number of other actors whom I would rather see do naked gay sex scenes than Joaquin Phoenix —
Jake Gyllenhaal
Matt Bomer
Channing Tatum
Matt Bomer
John Cena
Matt Bomer
Joe Mangianello
Matt Bomer
Alexander Skarsgard
Matt Bomer
Ryan Kwanten
Oh, and did I mention…..
Matt Bomer
MBNH
Call Matt Bomer
Mack
LOL. Sounds like someone is hung up on Matt Bomer.