Joaquin Phoenix’s Scrapped Gay Romance Film Can Have the Last Laugh Despite Actor’s Abrupt Exit By Following in the Footsteps of Netflix’s ‘Rebel Ridge’

Delays and drama are all part of the essence of the film industry. Nevertheless, the film that deserves to be made is made despite any surrounding drama. But seemingly, that cannot be the case for every film. Joker actor Joaquin Phoenix exiting a much-awaited movie that outlined a gay romance, directed by Todd Haynes.

But, unlike Rebel Ridge, the movie was completely scrapped after Phoenix exited. Rebel Ridge, on the other hand, opened with glowing reviews on the streaming platform regardless of so many delays and John Boyega’s exit from the movie.

Can Todd Haynes make his gay romance movie without Joaquin Phoenix?

We can all agree that actors like Joaquin Phoenix are not a common phenomenon. His ability to enchant the audience with just his expressions, especially his eyes, is breathtaking. While his exit from a project is a huge loss, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the end of a project and a director’s dream.

Todd Haynes can still continue with the gay-themed romance movie he had in mind despite the delays and exits. He can choose to follow Rebel Ridge director Jeremy Saulnier’s course of action and let fate do its trick. Saulnier shared with Vulture how he was able to make the movie despite all the hindrances,

I was willing to risk the movie unless I found the one and only true Terry Richmond. The search was insanely short, because within weeks, I had a Zoom call in Louisiana with Aaron Pierre, and I knew in less than two minutes that this is the guy. We had a very deep conversation. We were at this perfect crossroads, his career, my career. It did not seem in any way desperate, but it felt like we needed each other at that time.

Rather than giving up hope and his project altogether, Saulnier chose to wait and see who could measure up to the task and perform the lead role of Terry Richmond to perfection. He was glad to have found Aaron Pierre who brought the role to life splendidly and now we cannot imagine Rebel Ridge without Pierre.

Similarly, if Haynes chooses to go ahead with the project, he might just find his perfect actor in someone he speaks to and who can do justice to the role Haynes had in mind.

Why did Joaquin Phoenix exit Todd Haynes’ Movie?

Just days before the filming schedule was about to begin, it was reported that Phoenix had left the project. The exact reasons were not cited but it was confirmed that the actor will not be joining the movie again. Even at the press conference at the Venice Film Festival, the actor refused to give any concrete answer. He claimed,

The other creatives aren’t here to say their piece, and it just doesn’t feel like that would be right. I am not sure how that would be helpful.

Reportedly, the screenplay was developed by Phoenix, Haynes, and Jon Raymond so his exit left quite a huge gap in the entire movie’s making. Moreover, Variety informed that the movie was dependent on Phoenix’s stardom and popularity due to which a distribution deal was also finalized.

While there are speculations that the actor got cold feet, none of the parties have officially confirmed the reason for the exit.