Joaquin Phoenix generated a great controversy after his sudden departure from the acclaimed director’s ill-fated project Todd Hayneswhich was to begin filming in Mexico. The actor’s decision, announced five days before the start of filming, has triggered strong reactions, especially from the production company. Christine Vachonwho has not hesitated to express his discontent with the situation and the impact it has had on the production team.
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Why did Joaquin Phoenix turn down starring in Todd Haynes’ new film?
Rumours of Phoenix’s departure point to the demands of the character he was set to play, a role with explicit scenes and considerable emotional baggage. As details of the script, co-written by Phoenix with Haynes and Jon Raymond, were revealed, there was speculation that the actor might have found the challenge too daunting.
During his participation in the Venice Film Festival, where he presented ‘Joker 2: Madness for Two (47%)‘ Phoenix has shied away from explaining his decision, further fueling curiosity and unease among his colleagues and fans. Director Haynes had previously highlighted that Phoenix was the driving force behind the project, making his exit all the more puzzling.
Producer Christine Vachon lashes out at Joaquin Phoenix
Christine Vachon Vachon did not mince words when referring to the situation. At the San Sebastian Film Festival, he said that Phoenix’s departure was “tragic” and stressed that Haynes, at 62, has a limited number of films to make in his life. Vachon lamented the loss of a valuable opportunity to tell a story that had required years of joint work between the director and the actor (via Cinemamania):
It’s tragic how much time Todd Haynes has wasted and that there is no movie as a result of his work these years with Joaquin. I can’t get over that.
Poster of ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ (image: IMDb)
What implications does this incident have for Phoenix’s career?
The incident has opened up a broader debate about Phoenix’s commitment to his projects. Over the years, a perception has emerged that the actor has tried to back out of other films, raising questions about his approach to the roles he chooses. Criticism of his decision to walk away from a project in the final stages of preparation could affect his reputation in Hollywood. The film community is closely watching how Phoenix will handle the fallout from this situation and whether his history of last-minute changes will continue to be a talking point in his future career.
The episode has left a film that promised to explore an intense love story in a historical context up in the air, generating expectations that have now been dashed. Meanwhile, the industry is waiting for Phoenix to speak out about his decision and how he plans to move forward in his career.
Don’t leave without reading: Joker and Harley Quinn live out their love story in the final trailer for ‘Joker 2: Folie à Deux’
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