Joaquin Phoenix has broken his silence on his abrupt departure from the gay romance film, directed by Todd Haynes, he was set to star in.
IndieWire first reported that Phoenix had shockingly dropped out just five days before filming was set to commence.
A source close to the production told Variety that the Joker actor had reportedly got 'cold feet', which contributed to him dropping out.
The film was set to feature Phoenix opposite Top Gun: Maverick star Danny Ramirez, with the two playing gay lovers.
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This was set to feature graphic sex scenes, with the concept of the film centring around an NC-17 rating, the most mature that a film can be and still receive a wide-release.
In an interview with Variety, Ramirez teased the film was a 'love story between two men set in the ’30s that has explicit sexual content.'
While there was speculation that the drop-out may have been to do with this, sources close to the film were not convinced.
Variety wrote: "That theory is confusing to some sources, who reiterate that it was Phoenix who brought the project — and its NC-17 concept — to Haynes in the first place."
According to Todd Haynes, the concept for the film started as fragmented ideas by Phoenix, which he turned into a script.
He then said: "Basically it was just this wonderful, organic way to create the script.
"Joaquin was pushing it further into more dangerous territory, sexually.”
Phoenix was asked about this at a press conference for the sequel to Joker, Joker: Folie a Deux.
The actor is currently in Venice for the Venice Film Festival, when he was questioned about dropping out of the film.
According to Kyle Buchanan of the New York Times, Phoenix said: "It would just be sharing my opinion and the other creatives aren’t here to share their piece.
"It doesn’t feel like that would be right. I don’t think that would be helpful so I just don’t think I will. Thank you.”
Due to the short notice nature of Phoenix pulling out of the film, losses are thought to exceed seven figures.
According to inside sources that spoke to IndieWire, several stakeholders will still have to be compensated for the film.
As well as this, Ramirez will no longer be able to star in the film, as the movie was contingent on Phoenix's involvement.
LADbible had contacted a representative for Todd Haynes' for a comment.
Topics: Joaquin Phoenix, Joker, TV and Film, Film
Michael Slavin