Report: Joaquin Phoenix Could Face Legal Action for Leaving Gay Romance Movie

Joaquin Phoenix could potentially find himself in legal trouble because of his exit from Todd Haynes’ yet untitled same-sex romance drama film, according to a new report. Phoenix allegedly left the movie five days before the production was to commence in Guadalajara, Mexico. The acclaimed actor’s decision resulted in a major outrage on social media and beyond. And now it is being reported that the decision might have legal ramifications.

Joaquin Phoenix causes ‘outrage’ after leaving Todd Haynes’ movie

After the news of Phoenix’s departure from Todd Haynes’ movie became public earlier this month, it caused a massive outrage, as it was reported that Phoenix’s decision threatens the livelihood of people involved with the film. According to an article in The Hollywood Reporter, people in the industry are unhappy about the turn of events. Some are even calling for legal action against the Joker actor.

The outlet reported that the film was supposedly an “intense gay romance,” which takes place in the 1930s. It cited multiple sources to claim that Phoenix got cold feet as the start date of the production approached. The outlet also mentioned that the details about the reasons behind Phoenix’s exit were unclear.

Christine Vachon of Killer Films, the production company behind the film, addressed Phoenix’s departure. “A version of this did happen,” she wrote in a Facebook post that since has been deleted or made private, adding: “It has been a nightmare.” She also mentioned that the idea of the film came from Phoenix, after requesting people not to criticize them for casting a straight actor. “And PLEASE – if you are tempted to finger wag or admonish us that ‘that’s what you get for casting a straight actor’ – DON’T,” she explained. “This was HIS project that he brought to US – and Killer’s record on working with LGBTQ actors/crew/directors speaks for itself. (and for those of you who HAVE – know that you are making a terrible situation even worse).” (via People)

During the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Haynes told IndieWire that Phoenix brought him the story, and he and Jon Raymond shared the story credit with the actor. He even mentioned that Phoenix really wanted to push the boundaries and develop the project as an NC-17 film.

Per several reports, this isn’t the first time Phoenix has done something like this. He allegedly threatened that he would exit Ridley Scott’s Napoleon if Paul Thomas Anderson, who worked with him on The Master, wasn’t allowed to do script rewrites.