Joaquin Phoenix is all set to return to his Joker role following up the success of the DC standalone flick directed by Tod Phillips. Now, as Joker 2, stylistically titled Joker: Folie à Deux, is set to make it to the promotional tour, a recent report has kept Phoenix in a critical spot as several fans are upset by the news of it on social platforms. Reportedly, Phoenix dropped out of a gay romance movie just five days before shooting.
Joaquin Phoenix Reportedly Dropped Out Of A Gay Romance Movie Before Filming
As IndieWire first broke the news, Joaquin Phoenix has stunned Hollywood by pulling out of director Todd Haynes’ gay romance film just five days before filming was set to begin in Guadalajara, Mexico. The actor, who co-wrote the screenplay with Haynes and Jon Raymond, reportedly had a change of heart, with Variety’s sources suggesting he experienced “cold feet.”
The unexpected departure has thrown the project into turmoil. Entire sets had already been constructed, and international distribution rights had been secured. With Phoenix’s role considered integral to the film’s narrative, finding a replacement seems unlikely. This abrupt halt in production has resulted in significant financial chaos for the movie, with estimates reaching into the millions.
The film was produced by Killer Films and backed by sales agent MK2 Film, however, with Phoenix’s departure, the untitled project reportedly fell apart in early July.
What Did Todd Haynes Say About Joaquin Phoenix’s Departure From His Feature?
The gay feature film, as per sources of IndieWire, was a greenlight due to Phoenix’s casting which was likely to be an NC-17-rated movie, a period piece set in the 1930s. “Joaquin was pushing me further and going ‘No, let’s go further.’ This will be an NC-17 film,” Haynes previously told IndieWire.
“The whole experience was prompted by Joaquin,” the director told the outlet during his promotional tour of his acclaimed romance comedy for Netflix, May December. “It was prompted by his daring, his desire to push through barriers and to really get into the uncomfortable places about this relationship. And yet it felt like a very organic process.”
Haynes had consistently shared his desire to push boundaries with the film keeping it as graphic as possible.
SUGGESTED: Why Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’ Movies May Never Cross Paths With Matt Reeves Or James Gunn’s DC Universe
The abrupt exit has left a trail of financial devastation, with insiders revealing that numerous stakeholders, from investors to crew members, are now facing significant losses. Also, as per the report from the outlet, Top Gun: Maverick star Danny Ramirez had joined the cast as Phoenix’s love interest, just as production was gearing up. The report also stated that the Joker actor is not expected to return to the project.
As for Haynes, he is reportedly set to direct a limited series Trust for HBO which is based on a Hernan Diaz novel, and reuniting with his Mildred Pierce star Kate Winslet. Phoenix recently wrapped filming Ari Aster’s Western comedy, Eddington. But one of the most anticipated projects of 2024 from DC Elseworlds, Joker 2 starring the 49-year-old in the lead has created astonishing hype. Lady Gaga also joined Phoenix in the film as his love interest.
Joker: Folie à Deux is slated for October 4, 2024 release.
