Joaquin Phoenix abruptly drops out of film just 5 days before filming, Internet calls it 'unprofessional'

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO: Joaquin Phoenix has made an abrupt exit from a gay romance film just five days before filming was set to begin in Mexico.

The untitled film, directed by Todd Haynes, was set to star Phoenix, 49, alongside 'Top Gun: Maverick' actor Danny Ramirez, 31, portraying onscreen lovers in the 1930s.

The 'Joker' star leaving the project has reportedly left the production in disarray, with potential losses exceeding seven figures.

Controversial scenes spark cold feet

The film, which was set to include explicit sexual content and carry an NC-17 rating, was co-developed by Phoenix, Haynes, and Jon Raymond.

A source close to the production suggested that Phoenix dropped out after getting "cold feet" over the project, possibly due to discomfort with the graphic nature of the sex scenes.

However, others argue that Phoenix's abrupt exit is surprising, given that he was the one who initially brought the project to Haynes and pushed for its bold approach.

The film was reportedly set to feature a relationship between the characters that will "challenge" audiences, according to Daily Mail.

The untitled movie's production was well underway, with entire sets reportedly constructed in Guadalajara before Phoenix's unexpected withdrawal.

Sources indicate that recasting Phoenix's role is not an option, leaving the crew out of work and stakeholders unpaid.

Director Todd Haynes reflects on Joaquin Phoenix's involvement

In September 2023, Todd Haynes praised Joaquin Phoenix's commitment to the film, noting that the actor was instrumental in shaping the screenplay.

"Basically it was just this wonderful, organic way to create the script. And Joaquin was pushing it further into more dangerous territory, sexually," Haynes told Variety.

The filmmaker had opened up about his intention to make the sex scenes as explicit as possible.

In May 2023, Haynes said, "Joaquin was pushing me further and going, 'No, let’s go further.'”

“This will be an NC-17 film. The whole experience was prompted by Joaquin," he told Indiewire later in 2023.

"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 added.

Internet doubles down on Joaquin Phoenix's abrupt exit just before filming begins

As Joaquin Phoenix made a sudden departure from the film which would have marked his first gay role on screen, netizens doubled down on the actor's decision that has left the crew, who had already invested significant time and effort into the project to now face uncertainty.

One user on X wrote, "Thats so unprofessional," while another user tweeted, "Seven figures is insane Joaquin get ur s**t together and do the movie."

"Five days before filming is nasty work," a netizen commented and someone penned, "A gay actor should be on the cast instead of Joaquin."

"Couldn’t even give them a calendar weeks head up before bailing lol," an individual remarked. Another netizen opined, "Why accept the offer in the first place if he had doubts? Now, people have to suffer because of him. Pathetic."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.