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Joaquin Phoenix quits gay romance movie 5 days before filming due to ‘cold feet,’ leaving project in ‘peril’
By Eileen Reslen,
6 hours ago
Joaquin Phoenix backed out from his latest movie project at the last minute, leaving the film at risk of getting scrapped altogether, Page Six can confirm.
The Oscar winner, 49, was set to play the lead role in a gay romance flick directed by Todd Haynes.
However, sources told Variety Friday that Phoenix allegedly got “cold feet” and abruptly quit the movie just five days before cameras were to start rolling.
According to Deadline , who broke the news of the movie star’s departure, the film about two gay lovers who leave California for Mexico allegedly had “dicey intimacy scenes.”
A source tells Page Six exclusively that the “subject matter of the film was a factor.”
Joaquin Phoenix quit his latest movie project. Dave Benett/Getty Images for Apple He reportedly got “cold feet.” AFP via Getty Images
We’re told the “Joker” star’s last-minute withdrawal sparked confusion because he was heavily involved in the screenplay alongside Haynes and Jon Raymond.
“The next film is a feature that’s an original script that I developed with Joaquin Phoenix based on some thoughts and ideas he brought to me,” the director, 63, told IndieWire in May 2023.
“We basically wrote with him as a story writer. Me and Jon Raymond and Joaquin share the story credit. And we hope to be shooting it beginning early next year. It’s a gay love story set in 1930s LA.”
Phoenix was set to play the lead role in a gay romance film. Getty Images for TIFF He reportedly departed the film just five days before shooting was set to begin. Getty Images for Turner
Phoenix’s exit is further complicated by the fact that his role cannot be recast because it was pitched to distributors with Phoenix in the starring role, according to our source, and that’s a big reason it got sold.
Sources told Variety that Haynes’ project is now in “peril” as a result and that the crew is out of work.
Stakeholders in the film reportedly still need to be paid, though, allegedly creating a debt that could exceed seven figures.
Reps for Phoenix and Haynes did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.
A film producer who worked with Phoenix told us at the time, “He’s better at being a character than being himself. He really thinks he’s boring. Hiding is just a natural state for him.”
The insider added that the “Her” star was “good at playing traumatized” because he “was traumatized.”
“He’s better at being a character than being himself,” a producer who worked with Phoenix previously told Page Six. Warner Bros. Pictures Phoenix has not yet commented on his departure from Haynes’ film. WireImage
The producer pointed out that Phoenix “grew up … in a cult. His brother died in front of him. None of that presupposes someone who’s going to turn out normal.”
However, the “Hotel Rwanda” star has seen some personal highs in recent months.
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