Joaquin Phoenix speaks out about abrupt exit from gay romance film.
Joaquin Phoenix has finally addressed his shocking decision to exit a highly-anticipated gay romance film just five days before filming was set to start.
NC-17 romance film detailed.
The film, directed by Todd Haynes, was slated to be an NC-17-rated love story, featuring explicit sexual content.
Phoenix was set to star alongside Top Gun: Maverick actor Danny Ramirez, with the duo playing lovers in a 1930s setting.
Phoenix’s exit questioned.
IndieWire first reported on Phoenix’s sudden departure, which sent shockwaves through Hollywood.
The actor, known for pushing boundaries, reportedly got “cold feet” at the last minute, according to a source close to the production.
The abrupt move left many wondering—what could possibly have spooked the fearless Oscar winner?
Phoenix’s initial enthusiasm revealed.
After all, Phoenix himself had championed the film’s racy premise from the beginning, even bringing the NC-17 idea to Haynes personally.
In fact, Haynes told Variety that the film’s explicit nature was something Phoenix encouraged.
“Joaquin was pushing it further into more dangerous territory, sexually,” Haynes revealed, leaving many baffled by his exit.
The film was to explore a daring love story between two men, a narrative Phoenix initially seemed eager to dive into.
This wasn’t just any indie project—Phoenix’s involvement was key to its funding and star power.
Production falls apart without Phoenix.
Without him, the entire production came crashing down.
Now, sources say losses could hit seven figures as stakeholders scramble for compensation.
Danny Ramirez, whose role depended on Phoenix’s participation, is also left hanging.
With Phoenix’s sudden exit, the future of the project looks bleak at best.
The news shocked not just fans, but industry insiders, given Phoenix’s reputation for bold, avant-garde roles.
Phoenix’s risky career choices exposed.
This wasn’t the first time the actor had thrown himself into controversial projects.
Joaquin Phoenix, of course, is no stranger to taking creative risks.
His 2019 performance in Joker earned him an Academy Award, a role that was both psychologically intense and controversial.
In fact, Phoenix has built his career on such unorthodox choices, from his unsettling portrayal of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line to the philosophical sci-fi Her.
But it was the Joker sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, that placed him front and center at the Venice Film Festival this year.
Phoenix faces press questions at Venice.
While promoting Folie à Deux, Phoenix was inevitably questioned about the abrupt change in his schedule.
When asked about the sudden exit, Phoenix kept his cards close to his chest.
Phoenix’s carefully worded response revealed.
“It would just be sharing my opinion,” Phoenix said during a press conference, choosing his words carefully.
“The other creatives aren’t here to share their piece. It doesn’t feel like that would be right.”
He continued, “I don’t think that would be helpful, so I just don’t think I will.”
Fans left guessing post-exit.
The cryptic response left many more questions than answers, a classic move from Phoenix, who rarely opens up about his personal or professional decisions.
According to those close to the project, the last-minute drop may have been sparked by creative differences.
Some speculated that Phoenix balked at the film’s graphic nature, but that theory doesn’t entirely hold up.
Phoenix has a history of method acting, often throwing himself deeply into roles, which could explain the sudden cold feet.
Despite the setbacks, director Todd Haynes remains tight-lipped about whether the project can be revived without its star.
Whatever the reason, Phoenix is keeping his secrets, and Hollywood is left guessing.