Producer for Todd Hayne’s gay romance breaks silence on Joaquin Phoenix’s exit
The producer for Todd Haynes’ gay romance film has opened up about Joaquin Phoenix’s abrupt departure. On 9 August, reports claimed that the Joker star had walked away from the untilted project five days before filming was set to start.
According to Variety, a source alleged that Phoenix got “cold feet” due to the film’s graphic sex scenes. The departure of The Gladiator star – who is not currently being recast – has reportedly jeopardised the film, with various crew members and stakeholders still needing to be paid.
The financial loss could potentially add up to “seven figures.” Lastly, in an additional report from Deadline, Phoenix allegedly “walked off set” in July, with his costar Danny Ramirez attending San Deigo Comic Con, unsure about the film’s future.
While Haynes and Phoenix have yet to release a statement, one of the film’s producers – Christine Vachon of Killer Films – gave some insight into the situation, describing it as a “nightmare.” “A version of this did happen.
