Director Todd Haynes revealed that he and actor Joaquin Phoenix had collaborated on a period gay romance with Jonathan Raymond in an interview from May 2023. Haynes stated that he was working on this project as his next movie. The upcoming movie is a feature picture with an original storyline I wrote with Joaquin Phoenix, based on some ideas and concepts he shared with me. In a sense, we collaborated with him on stories. Joaquin, Jon Raymond, and I all share story credit,” said Haynes. Phoenix, who was well-known for taking on severe parts, pushed Haynes to tackle daring, mature subjects. “No, let us go further,” Joaquin was pushing Haynes farther, recalling the movie star’s power.

According to Haynes, the screenplay evolved naturally and cooperatively, with the Academy Award winner pushing the film into increasingly dangerous areas, especially with regard to its sexual nature. The film, according to Haynes, is an NC-17 period piece that takes place in Los Angeles in the 1930s. The movie was supposed to be about a gay couple in love. During “May December’s” September 2023 U.S. premiere, Haynes gave an update to the audience about the film’s development. He revealed that the script was finished shortly after “May December” was filmed and before the labor strike.

Haynes praised Phoenix’s “daring” and willingness “to push past hurdles,” attributing the project’s inspiration to him. He pointed out that a key element in the plot’s progression was the Golden Globe winner’s wish to examine awkward aspects of a relationship. Production on the untitled movie was scheduled to start in Mexico as soon as Phoenix was made available. The main focus of the story would have been Phoenix’s persona and his lover’s escape to Mexico.

For this new endeavor, Haynes stated that he hoped to collaborate with many of the same team members from “May December.” Due to the strike and other rescheduled obligations, Phoenix’s availability was a determining factor in the timing.

However, Phoenix abruptly pulled out of the untitled movie five days before Guadalajara, Mexico, was supposed to start filming. He left while still in Los Angeles, despite early plans to proceed, and the project failed in July 2024. Haynes had already put together a team in Mexico, and sales representative MK2 Films supported the project by securing global distribution. According to sources, Phoenix’s participation was required in order for the movie to get funding. Many stakeholders, including crew members and financiers, were left waiting for payment after his abrupt departure. It is thought that Phoenix’s sudden, short-notice exit from the movie caused losses in excess of seven figures.

The Grammy Award winner recently joined co-star Lady Gaga at a press conference to promote “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the follow-up to the 2019 smash hit, at the Venice Film Festival. Phoenix reprises his Oscar-winning performance as the legendary comic book superhero in the movie. A user of X responded to Phoenix’s attendance at the meeting. When the actor walked into the room full of press, the user noticed how happy he was.