Joaquin Phoenix Finally addresses his decision to abandon a movie at the last minute, which prompted angry responses from Hollywood. originates from May December (2023) Director Todd Haynes and writer Jon Raymond, the untitled gay romance movie in question is expected to have Phoenix in the lead role. The actor left the project just days before filming was set to begin in Guadalajara, Mexico, but still received “Cold feet“, which put the film on hold, costing millions. The decision was met with outrage on social media and in Hollywood.
While attending the Venice Film Festival press event for Joker: Folie à Deux, Phoenix was asked about why he decided to leave the Haynes film by journalist Ben Dalton of Screen International. The actor’s answer is basically a non-answer, because he reveals that explaining himself in this context would not be fair to the other parties involved who would not be able to share their own thoughts. Check out Phoenix’s comment (by Indiewire) below:
“If I do that, I’m just sharing my opinion from my perspective, and the other creatives aren’t here to say their piece, and it just doesn’t feel like that would be right. I’m not sure how that would be helpful. I I don’t think I will.”
What Joaquin Phoenix’s statement means for his Hollywood situation
Not only was Phoenix set to star in the NC-17 gay romance film, he was also developing it with Haynes. The untitled project has cast Danny Ramirez to star opposite Phoenix as his character’s lover. Phoenix’s decision to leave the film was especially controversial because he did it so close to the start date of filming. As the main star, the film needed Phoenix to succeed, and his departure essentially left everyone in the lurch, including the crew, who are now out of a job.
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A report following the decision of THR revealed that Phoenix’s last-minute decision could be considered a breach of his written or verbal contract to appear in the film, opening him up to legal action. The report also states that it was “A huge amount of scandal” from those in Hollywood about the decision. Furthermore, THR‘s report suggests that this is a pattern for Phoenix, which allegedly threatened to leave Ridley Scott’s Napoleon Unless the script was overridden. Phoenix’s latest comment is unlikely to mend any bridges, but it’s probably the safest option given the controversy surrounding it.
Our take on Phoenix’s current controversy
What will happen to the Haynes film?
The Phoenix/Haines situation is still a hot topic at the moment, and it is unlikely that any explanation from Phoenix would have fixed the situation. In fact, Phoenix’s decision not to dominate the narrative with his own perspective is a solid course of action, and It is likely an answer that was prepared beforehand in anticipation of such a question. It’s unknown what will happen to the Haynes film, but for the moment it looks dead in the water. More information about the US Phoenix Controversy will probably emerge after the situation has further settled.
Source: Indiewire