Why Joaquin Phoenix Quit a Risky Gay Movie 5 Days Before Shooting – Shocking Details Inside!
Joaquin Phoenix recently withdrew from a bold film project just days before production was set to begin. While the actor hasn’t explained his decision, reports suggest a possible reason for his sudden exit.
In May 2023, director Todd Haynes revealed he had worked with Joaquin Phoenix and Jonathan Raymond on a period gay romance. Haynes mentioned this film was supposed to be his next big project.
“The next film is a script I developed with Joaquin Phoenix based on his ideas,” Haynes explained. “We worked together as story writers, and the script was a collaboration between me, Jon Raymond, and Joaquin.”
Phoenix, known for taking on intense roles, encouraged Haynes to explore daring, mature themes. “Joaquin kept pushing me, saying, ‘No, let’s go further,’” Haynes shared.
The movie was planned as an NC-17-rated period piece set in 1930s Los Angeles, focusing on a gay love story. Phoenix played a central role in shaping the script, which was written shortly after Haynes finished working on “May December.”
Haynes credited Phoenix for inspiring the project and praised his willingness to explore challenging ideas. Production was set to take place in Mexico, with Phoenix’s character and his lover fleeing there as part of the story.
The movie depended heavily on Phoenix’s involvement. However, just five days before filming began in Guadalajara, Phoenix pulled out while still in Los Angeles. This decision caused the project to collapse in July 2024.
Haynes had already gathered a crew in Mexico, and the film’s financing relied on Phoenix. His sudden exit led to significant losses, reportedly exceeding seven figures, and left crew members and investors waiting for compensation.
Phoenix recently appeared at a press event for “Joker: Folie à Deux” with Lady Gaga. During the event, a journalist asked him about leaving the Haynes project. Phoenix declined to answer directly, saying, “It doesn’t feel right to share my side without the other creatives here.”
Social media reactions were mixed. Some fans supported Phoenix, praising his decision to prioritize his values. One user commented, “It was his choice to make, and he did.” Another noted, “It might have hurt his career if he went ahead with it.”
However, others criticized him for withdrawing at the last minute. A supporter defended him, saying, “Actors are allowed to choose their roles. Respect his personal decision.”
Reports suggest Phoenix may have had “cold feet” about the film’s explicit content. Haynes had planned for the movie to include graphic gay sex scenes, which would have been Phoenix’s first gay role on screen.
Killer Films, the studio behind the project, has not commented on the situation. For now, the film’s future is uncertain, and it seems unlikely that Phoenix will return or that a replacement will be sought.
The project’s priority now is compensating those who worked on the movie. As for fans, they’ll have to wait to see what happens next with the ambitious but now-paused film.
