Joaquin Phoenix is ​​leaving new movie just days before filming begins

Joaquin Phoenix has dropped out of the upcoming film just days before filming was set to begin, and production has been put on hold.

The untitled film, written by Phoenix, director Todd Haynes and Jon Raymond, was supposed to be about two men (Phoenix and Danny Ramirez) who fall in love in the 1930s. The project reportedly included scenes of an erotic nature.

Unfortunately, it looks like the movie, which sees the lead couple leaving California for Mexico, will never see the light of day because Share reports that Phoenix pulled out of the project last month, just five days before filming was set to begin in Guadalajara.

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With the development now reaching the production stage, Deadline reported that the project had stalled because no plans had been made for Phoenix’s new role, leaving several crew members uncertain about their compensation.

Haynes, who gained recognition for Carol AND Far from heavenHe had previously spoken out about the doomed project last year, teasing (via Share): “The next film is a feature film that is based on an original script that I developed with Joaquin Phoenix based on some thoughts and ideas that he gave me.

“We basically wrote with him as a writer. Me, Jon Raymond and Joaquin share the story credit. And we’re hoping to start shooting the movie early next year. It’s a gay love story set in the ’30s in Los Angeles. Joaquin kept pushing me and saying, ‘No, let’s go ahead.’ It’s going to be an NC-17 movie.”

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In a later interview during the press tour May DecemberHaynes emphasized that Phoenix was a major driving force behind the film, explaining, “It was driven by his courage, his desire to break down barriers and really delve into the uncomfortable places in this relationship. And yet it felt like a very organic process.”

Phoenix will next be seen on the big screen opposite Lady Gaga when he reprises his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck in Joker: Double Filmsequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 film.

Joker: Double Film is scheduled to hit theaters on October 4. Joker is available for purchase on Blu-ray Or streaming Now.