Joaquin Phoenix ditches Todd Haynes drama days before production starts

Joaquin Phoenix and Todd Haynes seemed like a match made in heaven. They are among the most revered actors and directors of their generation. The project they were slated to collaborate on, an untitled detective story set in Mexico, seemed like a natural contender come awards season, given both of their Oscar track records. Now, however, the project's future is uncertain.

IndieWire confirmed that Phoenix has decided to leave the project a mere five days before shooting was set to begin. The actor was already on location in Jalisco when he made his surprising decision. Todd Haynes is reportedly dealing with the financial consequences of said decision.

Phoenix was the creative force behind the film

The most bizarre aspect of Joaquin Phoenix's decision to leave the project is that he was, by every account, the driving force behind the project. This is not a case of an actor signing on to a director's passion project, it's close to being the other way around.

Todd Haynes told IndieWire that Phoenix was the one who developed the story with screenwriter Jon Raymond, and pushed for the 1930s period piece to push the envelope by going for an NC-17 rating:

"The whole experience was prompted by Joaquin. It was prompted by his daring, his desire to push through barriers and to really get into the uncomfortable places."

To make matters even worse for Haynes, the financing for the film reportedly hinged on Phoenix's casting. The actor is, after all, coming off a billion dollar blockbuster and an Oscar for 2019's Joker.

Todd Haynes is reportedly pivoting to a miniseries

Unfortunately, there will be financial repercussions for Phoenix's last minute decision. The outlet reports that several financiers on the the project will still need to be paid, given the time and money that was invested in setting up the production.

Instead of scrambling to find a replacement, Todd Haynes has decided to shelf the project, and move on to the limited series Trust. The series will mark the director's first foray into television since Mildred Pierce in 2011, and will see him reunite with Mildred Pierce star Kate Winslet. It appears he's bringing the aforementioned scribe, Jon Raymond, with him as well.

Phoenix, meanwhile, will appear in the sequel to his aforementioned blockbuster, Joker: Folie à Deux, in October.