Film producer on Joaquin Phoenix's sudden exit from gay romance: “it has been a nightmare"
August 12, 2024Christine Vachon, a producer for Todd Haynes’ gay romance movie from which Joaquin Phoenix unexpectedly departed last week, described the situation as “a nightmare” on social media over the weekend.
On Friday, reports emerged that Phoenix left the drama just five days before filming was supposed to commence in Guadalajara, Mexico. The role will not be recast. The actor’s reason for leaving was unclear, adding confusion since Phoenix originally brought the project to Haynes, according to ‘The Hollywood Reporter’.
Image Credit: Canva
Vachon, from Killer Films, posted about the situation on Facebook over the weekend, stating: “A version of this did happen. It has been a nightmare.” She also addressed backlash over Phoenix, who is straight, being cast in a leading role for a film about a gay character. “If you are tempted to finger wag or admonish us that ‘that’s what you get for casting a straight actor’ — DON’T,” she wrote. “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).”
Vachon has since removed the post.
Haynes’ movie was planned to feature an intense gay romance set in the 1930s and include co-star Danny Ramirez, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. Alongside Vachon, Pam Koffler was also set to produce. A source informed The Hollywood Reporter that the team felt “devastated” by Phoenix’s departure and that the budget spent on the film was in the low seven figures.
Read related myGwork articles here:
Omar Apollo joins cast list of Luca Guadagnino’s movie ‘Queer’
Paul Mescal And Andrew Scott To Play Lovers In New LGBTQ+ Drama
‘Bros’ Accounted For 80% Of All Trans Characters In 2022’s Top Grossing Movies According To New Hollywood Diversity Study
Keep up to date with the latest myGnews