Summary
Joaquin Phoenixhas dropped out of an upcoming movie shortly before it was set to shoot. The project is an untitled feature from director Todd Haynes, who has previously helmed titles includingCarol,Dark Waters,Far From Heaven, HBO’sMildred Pierceminiseries, and, most recently,Netflix’sMay December. Phoenix had closely participated in the project, which is a gay detective romance set in the 1930s and co-starring Danny Ramirez, developing the screenplay with Haynes and co-writer Jon Raymond.
PerVariety,Phoenix has now officially dropped out of the project just five days before principal photography was set to beginin Mexico, where sets had already been built. A source told the publication that the performer got “cold feet,” though speculation that this was due to the graphic content of the movie is dubious considering Phoenix’s direct involvement in the development of the material. However, the project is now in peril, as his participation was a major factor in international sales, and his departure could lead to losses in the seven-figure realm.
Joaquin Phoenix Getting Cold Feet Is Unusual
The Star Is Known For Pushing The Envelope
There is another reason that Phoenix getting cold feet is unusual, in addition to the facts that the movie is now in dire financial straits and that he was directly involved with the development of any material that might have otherwise been deemed objectionable. This reason is thatthe actor is well known for taking bold swings with his performances, something that may be behind him earning four Oscar nominations over the course of his career, eventually winning one for playing Arthur Fleck 2019’sJoker, a role he will be reprising in theupcomingJoker: Folie à Deux.
Every Joaquin Phoenix Oscar Nomination
Joaquin Phoenix is one of the most beloved actors of his generation, and that popularity has been reflected several times at the Oscars.
It seems likely that the star’s cold feet have little to do with the role itself.He has already taken on a variety of parts that might make any A-list actor skittish, including playing a fictionalized version of himself having a public meltdown and pursuing a rap career in the 2010 mockumentaryI’m Still Here. He also recently starred in the genre-bendingAri Aster movieBeau is Afraid, a three-hour surrealist odyssey that puts the actor in many unusual situations.
Joaquin Phoenix was nominated for a Golden Globe for his work inBeau is Afraid.
It remains to be seen if there is ever any clarification about the reason thatJoaquin Phoenixhas departed the project. However, at the time of writing, it seems unlikely that the untitled movie will move forward as planned with a replacement star. If it comes to fruition at all, it could potentially be years before the movie is in shape to begin filming with a different lead actor in the role, though the fact that the script, funding, and sets are already in place could lead producers to attempt to fast-track finding a new lead.
