Hollywood heartthrob Joaquin Phoenix is known for his intense and transformative roles. After his portrayal of the iconic villain Arthur Fleck/Joker in the critically acclaimed Joker and its upcoming sequel Joker: Folie à Deux, Phoenix is set to explore new genre.
Phoenix will share the screen with Captain America: Brave New World star Danny Ramirez, for this untitled NC-17 rated queer love story. This project is set to be a bold step in both actors’ careers.
Joaquin Phoenix and Danny Ramirez are Set to do a Love Story Unlike Any Other
Todd Haynes, who’s famous for making heartfelt movies about LGBTQ+ stories like Carol and Far From Heaven, will direct this new film “set in 1930s Los Angeles.”
It will tell the story of two men, played by Joaquin Phoenix and Danny Ramirez, as they navigate a deep and complicated love story. As Haynes told IndieWire at the Cannes Film Festival right after the premiere of his romantic drama May December last year:
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.
They’re still looking for more actors to join the film. Christine Vachon, who often works with Haynes, and Pam Koffler are producing the movie. The director, along with Joan and Jon Raymond, worked on developing the screenplay.
Joaquin Phoenix is Ready to Push Boundaries in Todd Haynes Upcoming Project
Details about the story are scarce, but the NC-17 rating suggests the movie will bravely explore intimacy and deep feelings. Joaquin Phoenix is used to playing intense roles that go beyond what actors usually do. So, he seems ready to push boundaries again with this one as well.
Danny Ramirez has also proven himself as a skilled and versatile actor with a wide range of roles in important movies and TV series. From The Affair to The Gifted, On My Block, and Top Gun: Maverick, he’s shown he can play different characters in various genres.
After gaining experience from these major projects, Ramirez is eager to tackle a new role, too. This project will be unique for Phoenix, as he hasn’t done a queer project before. Meanwhile, Ramirez has already worked in the 2023 LGBTQ film Chestnut, playing the character Danny.
Haynes told IndieWire that “we hope to be shooting it [the upcoming movie] beginning early next year.” Fans eager to see Phoenix and Ramirez will have to wait a little while.
Frequently asked questions
Is Joaquin Phoenix still starring in Todd Haynes’s romance film opposite Danny Ramirez?
No – reporting indicates Phoenix dropped out of the untitled project just days before filming was set to begin, reportedly getting cold feet over the material. The project has since been revived under the title “De Noche,” with Pedro Pascal stepping into the lead role opposite Danny Ramirez.
What was the original premise of Todd Haynes’s project with Joaquin Phoenix?
The film was conceived as a romantic drama following two men navigating a deep, complicated relationship in 1930s Los Angeles. Phoenix reportedly helped originate the project’s story and worked with Haynes and Jon Raymond on developing the screenplay before exiting.
Who is directing the revived version of the film now called De Noche?
Todd Haynes, known for films like Carol and Far From Heaven, remains attached to direct, with Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler producing. The story now follows a corrupt cop and his younger lover fleeing 1930s Los Angeles for Mexico, with Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez starring in the leads.
