Joker 2 Star Joaquin Phoenix Pulls Out Of Todd Haynes’ Gay Romantic Drama Days Before Filming

Joaquin Phoenix gained worldwide fame after featuringas Arthur Fleck in Todd Phillips' Joker. The film showcased his intense acting skills so much so that fans and critics felt goosebumps. Recently, the Oscar-winning actor backed out of a project days before it was supposed to go on the floors.

Why did Joaquin Phoenix back out of Todd Haynes' project?

According to reports, Joaquin Phoenix abruptly walked away from the film at the last minute. The Her star was supposed to feature in the untitled Todd Haynes project that he had been developing with the director for years. However, just five days before filming commenced in Mexico, Phoenix decided to quit the project.

Phoenix was reportedly set to star in the lead role of the movie, which is described as an gay romance, set in 1930s Los Angeles and Mexico.

Pre-production which began months saw crew hired in Mexico, with production set for three months. There are currently no plans to recast the role, which means the project is indefinitely in limbo and the hired workers are stuck in a dicey situation.

Reports suggest that with the knowledge of the film’s finances, multiple stakeholders involved in Haynes' project, from financiers to crew, still need to be compensated. Top Gun: Maverick star Danny Ramirez joined the cast in July as Phoenix’s love interest, right before shooting was set to begin.

About Joaquin Phoenix’s upcoming film Joker 2

Directed by Todd Philips, Joker: Folie a Deux, is the sequel of 2019 film Joker. It will continue with the story of the failed comedian Arthur Fleck and how he meets the love of his life Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga), while incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital. Upon his release, the two of them embark on a doomed romantic misadventure.

Joker: Folie a Deux will also star Zazie Beetz, Jacob Lofland, Harry Lawtey Brendan Gleeson, Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Leigh Gill and Tim Dillon among others. The film will release in theatres on October 4, 2024 in India.