Joaquin Phoenix has shared his first comments since departing Todd Haynes’ gay romance movie.
What Did Joaquin Phoenix Say About Leaving Todd Haynes Movie?
While promoting Joker: Folie à Deux at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival, Phoenix was asked about leaving Haynes’ film before production commenced. Phoenix avoided the question with a vague response, saying it would not be “helpful” to share his views without the other creatives’ input.
“If I do, I’d just be sharing my opinion from my perspective, and the other creatives aren’t here to share their piece, so I don’t think that would be helpful. So I won’t,” Phoenix told reporters.
Phoenix had been cast alongside Danny Ramirez in Haynes’ upcoming romance film about two men in the 1930s who embark on a sexually explicit affair and depart Los Angeles for Mexico. Haynes was directing, and Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler were producing. Phoenix reportedly stormed off the set five days before production commenced in Guadalajara.
“The movie is unfortunately dead without The Joker Oscar winner attached as there are no plans to recast,” Deadline’s report stated. “Crew members are due money. Phoenix walked off-set just prior to Comic-Con. I understand Ramirez flew to San Diego Comic-Con not knowing whether production would resume or not.”
Producers had been scrambling to get the set back up and running to shoot the film. However, the film has failed to recast Phoenix’s role, leaving the project in limbo until further notice.
Phoenix could reportedly face legal action for his abrupt departure. Financers and local crew members are still owed money. Phoenix’s decision sparked major outrage on social media and within Hollywood.
Questions over Phoenix’s departure will likely continue for the next month as the Oscar winner promotes Joker 2.
Joker: Folie à Deux opens in theaters on October 4, 2024.
