Back in 2024, Joaquin Phoenix exited Todd Haynes’ “likely NC-17” gay romance film, “De Noche,” just five days before shooting was set to begin, potentially getting cold feet over the explicit sex scenes he had to perform on screen with co-star Danny Ramirez.
Producer Christine Vachon claimed, a few months later, that the film was “shelved” — and many trade sources confirmed that. However, plot twist, it’s back to happening. In fact, the film has started production Guadalajar, Mexico.
None other than Pedro Pascal — who else! — has taken over the lead role left vacant by Phoenix. Ramirez is still attached as co-lead.
According to reports, the script had Phoenix performing a rimjob scene on Ramirez. Is that what scared Phoenix away? Enter Pascal, who seems to be saying, “bring it on!”
Seriously, it never made much sense to waste all of the producer’s money away and completely “shelve” the film, especially since there had to be a marquee actor out there dying to work with Haynes on this one.
Pascal, who starred in five 2024 movies, is coming off an insane 2025, kicking off with his doom in the second season of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” and continuing with roles in Celine Song’s “Materialists,” Ari Aster’s “Eddington,” and Marvel’s “Fantastic Four: First Steps.” You just can’t avoid him these days.
I guess this is a good place to insert this little nugget — Maryse Alberti, 71, will DP Haynes’ “De Noche.” She is set to reteam with Haynes for the first time since the 1998 cult classic “Velvet Goldmine.” Alberti also lensed Haynes’ 1991 gem “Poison.” Her other credits include “The Wrestler,” “Happiness” and “Creed.”
Just like with Haynes’ last film, “May December,” his longtime cinematographer, cinematographer Edward Lachman, will again not be taking part in this latest project.
The screenplay is credited to Joel and Ethan Coen! Eleanor Catton wrote the original draft, alongside Conor McPherson. So yes, Ethan has a writing credit here, which makes this a de facto Coen reunion.