Joaquin Phoenix recently broke his silence regarding his sudden departure from Todd Haynes’ untitled gay romance film, a move that sparked considerable conversation in the film industry. The 49-year-old actor, known for his intense dedication to his roles, withdrew from the project just five days before filming was scheduled to begin, leaving many curious about his reasons.
During a press conference for Joker: Folie à Deux at the 2024 Venice Film Festival on Wednesday (September 4), Phoenix finally addressed the situation. However, rather than providing a detailed explanation, he opted to take a more reserved approach. “I think if I do [speak about the reasoning], I’d just be 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,” Phoenix shared, via People.
He continued, “I’m not sure how that would be helpful. So I don’t think I will.” His choice to keep the details of his decision private suggests a sense of respect for the other parties involved in the project. By refraining from going into specifics, Phoenix leaves room for others to share their side of the story if and when they choose to do so.
The untitled film, which was set to be directed by Todd Haynes, was a highly anticipated project within the LGBTQ+ cinema community. Known for his nuanced and groundbreaking work in films such as Carol and Far from Heaven, Haynes is considered a visionary in the portrayal of complex relationships, particularly within queer narratives. The film was set to be filmed in Guadalajara, Mexico, adding an international flavor to the production, which further heightened the excitement surrounding it.
Phoenix’s involvement in the project had generated considerable buzz. While he has chosen not to disclose his reasons, speculation has circulated. Some have suggested that creative differences may have played a role, while others have pointed to potential scheduling conflicts given Phoenix’s demanding work on Joker: Folie à Deux. Nevertheless, Phoenix’s decision to withhold further commentary keeps much of this a mystery.
Fans of Phoenix and Haynes alike are left wondering what might have been with the project, but Phoenix’s comments suggest that the matter is not one of public drama but rather a private decision made out of respect for all those involved.
As for what’s next, Phoenix seems focused on his upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated Joker: Folie à Deux, in which he reprises his iconic role alongside Lady Gaga.
