Christine Vachon, the producer of Todd Haynes’ gay romance film, which saw Joaquin Phoenix abruptly leave the film last week, said the situation was “a nightmare” on social media over the weekend.
Reports emerged on Friday that Phoenix had exited the drama, just five days before filming began in Guadalajara, Mexico. The character will not be recast. The reason for the actor’s exit is unclear, and with Phoenix handing the project over to Haynes, there’s even more confusion among those around the project.
Killer Films’ Vachon shared a post about the situation on Facebook over the weekend, writing: “This happens. It’s a nightmare.
Vachon also responded to criticism that straight Phoenix was cast in a leading role in Haynes’ film about a gay character. “If you want to point fingers at us or warn us ‘this is what happens when you cast straight actors’ – then don’t do it,” she wrote. “This is his project he brought to America – Killer’s track record of working with LGBTQ cast/crew/directors speaks for itself. (For those who already know, you’re making a bad situation worse ).
Vachon has deleted the post.
Haynes’ film focuses on an intense gay love story in the 1930s, with co-star Danny Ramirez, whose credits include Defender: Maverick and upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. In addition to Vachon, Pam Koffler will also serve as producer. A source told The Hollywood Reporter that the entire team was “devastated” by Phoenix’s exit and that only seven figures were spent on the film.
Phoenix will next appear in Todd Phillips’ film Clown: Pas de deux October 4th.
