Director Todd Haynes’ new gay romance was put on hold after losing one of its lead actors, and has now been abandoned entirely, just weeks after Joaquin Phoenix suddenly left the project.

This news comes from Deadline. As previously reported, Phoenix was set to star alongside Danny Ramirez in the film (Top Shooter: Maverick, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) with the two as “intense lovers”. Now it has been reported that the film has been on hold for the past two weeks after Phoenix “stormed off the set” and apparently left the film. While the producers briefly tried to get the film back on track with another actor in time to save the project, Instead, they decided to cancel the film altogether.

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Since production had already begun, crew members who worked on the set in Guadalajara, Mexico, had yet to be compensated. Phoenix reportedly left the set shortly before the San Diego Comic-Con, which was attended by his co-star from the film, Ramirez, who will also appear in the upcoming Marvel Studios film Captain America: Brave New World. Ramirez had flown to the event without knowing if he would return to Guadalajara to continue filming with another actor, which ultimately will not be the case.

Why did Joaquin Phoenix leave the film?

The aborted film’s plot revolved around two men who “have an intense relationship and leave California to go to Mexico.” While nothing is confirmed, there is speculation that Phoenix left because of some of the provocative scenes, although no concrete details have been revealed. It remains to be seen whether Phoenix will address the situation publicly, although a producer on the film has called the ordeal a “nightmare.”

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“A version of this actually happened. It was a nightmare,” producer Christine Vahcon said on Facebook about the news. “If I haven’t reached out or returned your call, that’s why. And PLEASE – if you’re tempted to wag your finger or admonish us that ‘this is what happens when you cast a straight actor’ – DON’T. This was HIS project that he brought to the US – and Killer’s track record of working with LGBTQ actors/crew/directors speaks for itself. (And for those of you who have – know that you are making a terrible situation worse.)”

Phoenix leaves Haynes’ film before returning to his Oscar-winning role. The actor will reprise his role as Arthur Fleck in Joker: Foil for Twowhich will be released in theaters in October after its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival. Phoenix won an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in the first film.

Phoenix will also appear in an upcoming A24 film that reunites him with Beau is afraid helmer Ari Aster. Called EddingtonIn the film, Phoenix will join an ensemble cast that includes other stars such as Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, Austin Butler and Luke Grimes. The film does not yet have a set release date.

Source: Deadline