Joaquin Phoenix quits huge film just days out from filming

The Oscar-winner got “cold feet” on a film he’d been developing for years with a legendary director, leaving the entire project in turmoil.

Joaquin Phoenix backed out from his latest movie project at the last minute, leaving the film at risk of getting scrapped altogether, Page Six reports.

The Oscar winner, 49, was set to play the lead role in a gay romance flick directed by Todd Haynes.

However, sources told Variety that Phoenix allegedly got “cold feet” and abruptly quit the movie just five days before cameras were to start rolling.

According to Deadline, who broke the news of the movie star’s departure, the film about two gay lovers who leave California for Mexico allegedly had “dicey intimacy scenes.”

Phoenix had been developing the film with director Todd Haynes for years. Picture: AFP

A source tells Page Six exclusively that the “subject matter of the film was a factor.”

We’re told the Joker star’s last-minute withdrawal sparked confusion because he was heavily involved in the screenplay alongside Haynes and Jon Raymond.

“The next film is a feature that’s an original script that I developed with Joaquin Phoenix based on some thoughts and ideas he brought to me,” the director, 63, told IndieWire in May 2023.

“We basically wrote with him as a story writer. Me and Jon Raymond and Joaquin share the story credit. And we hope to be shooting it beginning early next year. It’s a gay love story set in 1930s LA.”

Phoenix’s exit is further complicated by the fact that his role cannot be recast because it was pitched to distributors with Phoenix in the starring role, according to our source, and that’s a big reason it got sold.

Phoenix will next be seen with Lady Gaga in the Joker sequel. Picture: Warner Bros.

Sources told Variety that Haynes’ project is now in “peril” as a result and that the crew is out of work.

Stakeholders in the film reportedly still need to be paid, though, allegedly creating a debt that could exceed seven figures.

Reps for Phoenix and Haynes did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.

Phoenix is known for his method acting and it has seemingly taken a toll on his mental health over the years.

In 2017, he opened up about checking into rehab because he found himself drinking and partying too much after playing Johnny Cash in Walk the Line.

“There’s too many things I enjoy doing and I don’t want to wake up feeling hungover,” he previously told the New York Times.

Director Todd Haynes with recent leading lady Natalie Portman. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty

Phoenix with his 2020 Oscar for Joker. Picture: Getty

“It’s not a thing I fight against — it’s just the way I live my life. Some of it’s probably age.’’

Sources close to the actor then gave Page Six insight into his reclusive lifestyle in 2018.

A film producer who worked with Phoenix told us at the time, “He’s better at being a character than being himself. He really thinks he’s boring. Hiding is just a natural state for him.”

The insider added that the Her star was “good at playing traumatized” because he “was traumatized.”

The producer pointed out that Phoenix “grew up … in a cult. His brother died in front of him. None of that presupposes someone who’s going to turn out normal.”

However, the star has seen some personal highs in recent months.

Phoenix and his wife, Rooney Mara, announced in February they were expecting their second child.

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Joaquin Phoenix quits huge film just days out from filming