Joaquin Phoenix speaks out after dropping out of gay romance with 'graphic' sex scenes just days before filming
Joaquin Phoenix exited the Todd Haynes gay romance movie just five days before shooting was set to begin
Joaquin Phoenix has finally broken his silence after leaving a film hanging by dropping out five days before it was set to begin filming.
The news was broken by IndieWire, who reported that the actor was no longer set to go ahead with the movie .
This was despite the fact that Phoenix himself played a core part in the creation of the movie.
Phoenix initially brought the project to Killer Films. (Samir Hussein / WireImage)
However, one agent who is not connected to the Haynes movie told THR Phoenix is not likely to face significant repercussions, and may instead settle the issue by repaying the money already spent on the movie's production.
“As long as they threaten, he'll settle. It's nothing to him, "the agent claimed.
Though Phoenix has not explained his decision to leave, the actor previously told 60 Minutes' Anderson Cooper he often feels' petrified 'when taking on a role.
He also expressed feeling 'nervous' that he won't be able to find 'the right kind of place to express' his ideas.
UNILAD has contacted representatives for Joaquin Phoenix for comment.Featured Image Credit: Robin L Marshall / FilmMagic via Getty / Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images
Topics: Celebrity , Hollywood , Joaquin Phoenix , Joker , Mexico , Film and TV
Olivia Rodrigo was 'so scared' watching new Joaquin Phoenix film she walked out the theater
She said the film was one of the most disturbing she has seen
Scary movies can be a fantastic art form, but they are definitely not for everyone.
There's nothing fun about lying awake at night, jumping at every shadow in your room. Suddenly the pile of clothes on the chair morphs into the shape of something awful which has come for you.
Olivia Rodrigo has had such a visceral reaction to a movie starring Joaquin Phoenix that she had to get up and leave the cinema.
I know Napoleon was a terrifying dictatorial figure, but it’s extraordinary that the mere hint of his presence still inspires such terror across history.
Wait, sorry, not that Joaquin Phoenix movie.
The movie was actually Beau is Afraid , a surreal psychological tragicomic horror movie which sees Phoenix playing the titular Beau. He is on his way to go and visit his mother, and undergoes a series of increasingly detached and disturbing encounters on the way.
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Currently, Napoleon sits at an impressive 78 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, after reviewers watched through the 2 hour, 38 minute long film.
Peter Bradshaw, from The Guardian penned: "Scott has created an outrageously enjoyable cavalry charge of a movie, a full-tilt biopic of two and a half hours in which Scott doesn’t allow his troops to get bogged down mid-gallop in the muddy terrain of either fact or metaphysical significance."
Collider's Ross Bonaime added: "Napoleon is a grand film, both in terms of Scott creating a story with a size we’ve rarely seen from him, and the bold, large choices made by a completely game Phoenix."
While Kevin Maher from The Times said: "The captivating power of Phoenix’s performance, delivered in his American vernacular, is that it hovers in a twitchy, shifty, grey zone between imperious outbursts, wounded vulnerability and puckish charm."
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Regular movie geeks may not have had the opportunity to watch Napoleon yet, but that hasn't stopped them flocking to social media to express their excitement for the project.
"Finally a movie that is worth going to the cinema for. Thank god there are still filmmakers like Ridley Scott," one X, formerly known as Twitter, user wrote.
While another added: "Music, the cinematography, the action, how does Ridley Scott make the best big battle movies in cinema? He's one of the greatest artists of our lifetime."Featured Image Credit: Columbia Pictures
Topics: Joaquin Phoenix, Film and TV
Kaley Cuoco speaks out about filming Big Bang Theory sex scenes with ex-boyfriend Johnny Galecki
Kaley Cuoco revealed what it was like to share on-set sex scenes with Johnny Galecki after their breakup
There's nothing more nightmarish than working with an ex.
So spare a thought for poor Kaley Cuoco had it even worse and had to film sex scenes post-break up with her ex-boyfriend Johnny Galecki - who recently revealed he'd secretly got married and become a father.
It sounds like it would be one of the most uncomfortable things going, but Kuoco spoke of the reality of working alongside her The Big Bang Theory co-star.
The actors play bombshell Penny and lovable Leonard in the popular science-based sitcom and got together in real-life in 2008, but mutually decided to break up a year later.
Although the couple had split, the on-screen couple of Penny and Leonard were still going strong, and had to film intimate scenes together for the show.
Cuoco opened up about the awkward situation in a conversation with Dax Shephard on his Armchair Expert podcast back in 2020.
Instagram / @ armchairexppod
She said: "So we dated really early on for almost two years. It was very early on in the show. I remember when we did the pilot, I was just crushing so hard on Galecki.
" I had such a crush on him, and I did not think he felt that way about me. "
She continued:" I remember when we broke up, and it was a little sensitive for a minute, but I remember those weeks that Chuck [Lorre] had written these episodes, and suddenly our characters were sleeping together every other second.
"We would talk about what happened on set, and we would make fun of ourselves because there was nothing to tell each other anymore."
Kevin Mazur / Getty
Cuoco added: "We would get [to set] together, we'd leave together.
" It was just kind of too much. It's different on a sitcom 'cause on a one-hour, you do not see everyone every day. We saw each other every day.
"We were just kind of like: 'I have nothing else to tell you.'
"Luckily, Johnny and I came out of it so brilliantly. We are closer today than we ever were. "
The podcast wasn't the first time Cuoco discussed her crush on her co-star, with both actors previously discussing the relationship in Jessica Radloff's 2022 book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story. of the Epic Hit Series.
Cuoco said: "I had a very big crush on Johnny early on. I was so not even hiding it. He has such swagger.
"We were both dating people at the time, but I only had eyes for Johnny.
" Then, when I found out he had eyes for me too, I was like, 'Uh-oh, this is going to be trouble. "
Galecki added: "I have a healthy ego, but you really have to kind of club me over the head to let me know you're flirting with me.
"I had zero idea of any sort of crush before Kaley and I began dating ."
Joaquin Phoenix exited the Todd Haynes gay romance movie just five days before shooting was set to begin
Joaquin Phoenix has finally broken his silence after leaving a film hanging by dropping out five days before it was set to begin filming.
The news was broken by IndieWire, who reported that the actor was no longer set to go ahead with the movie .
This was despite the fact that Phoenix himself played a core part in the creation of the movie.
Phoenix opened up about the canceled film whilst promoting Joker 2 (Warner Bros.)
The film was set to star the Joker actor alongside Top Gun: Maverick breakout star Danny Ramirez.
Todd Haynes, the creative mind behind May December, which was a major awards contender last year, was set to direct the film.
In an interview with Variety, Ramirez called the film a 'love story between two men set in the' 30s that has explicit sexual content '.
There was initial speculation that this is what led Phoenix to pull out of the movie, but this has been rebuffed by a report in Variety.
Variety claim that, according to industry sources, this theory does not make sense.
Variety said: "That theory is confusing to some sources, who reiterate that it was Phoenix who brought the project - and its NC-17 concept - to Haynes in the first place."
The film was set to star the Joker actor alongside Top Gun: Maverick breakout star Danny Ramirez.
Todd Haynes, the creative mind behind May December, which was a major awards contender last year, was set to direct the film.
In an interview with Variety, Ramirez called the film a 'love story between two men set in the' 30s that has explicit sexual content '.
There was initial speculation that this is what led Phoenix to pull out of the movie, but this has been rebuffed by a report in Variety.
Variety claim that, according to industry sources, this theory does not make sense.
Variety said: "That theory is confusing to some sources, who reiterate that it was Phoenix who brought the project - and its NC-17 concept - to Haynes in the first place."
Danny Ramirez (right) was set to star (Paramount Pictures)
Speaking about the creation of the film, Todd Haynes told Variety that the film was initially fragmented ideas presented to him by Phoenix, before he turned it into a script.
He went on to say: "Basically it was just this wonderful, organic way to create the script.
" Joaquin was pushing it further into more dangerous territory, sexually. "
The actor was asked about having dropped out at the press conference for Joker 2 at the Venice Film Festival.
Speaking about the creation of the film, Todd Haynes told Variety that the film was initially fragmented ideas presented to him by Phoenix, before he turned it into a script.
He went on to say: "Basically it was just this wonderful, organic way to create the script.
" Joaquin was pushing it further into more dangerous territory, sexually. "
The actor was asked about having dropped out at the press conference for Joker 2 at the Venice Film Festival.
Joker 2 (Warner Brothers)
According to Kyle Buchanan of the New York Times, Phoenix said: "It would just be sharing my opinion and the other creatives aren't here to share their piece.
" It does not feel like that would be right. I do not think that would be helpful so I just do not think I will. Thank you. ”
Due to how short notice Phoenix pulling out was, losses are expected to be upwards of seven figures.
IndieWire have said that, speaking to industry sources, there are multiple key stakeholders who will still be owed compensation for the movie.
The film will not be able to continue on with Ramirez and another actor.
Todd Haynes' representative declined to comment when contacted by LADbible.Featured Image Credit: Jose Oliva / Europa Press via Getty Images / Michael Buckner / Variety via Getty Images
Topics: Joaquin Phoenix , Film and TV
Joaquin Phoenix risks being blacklisted from Hollywood after 'outrageously' leaving project at last minute
The Joker actor Joaquin Phoenix backed out of Todd Haynes' new project just days before production
Joaquin Phoenix could be in danger of being blacklisted from Hollywood projects after he abandoned a movie. just days before it went into production.
Phoenixhas brought the world a whole range of gripping and entertaining characters throughout his career, but when it came to a new project from director Todd Haynes, the actor decided to step out of the spotlight.
Phoenix, who's next set to appear inJoker: Folie à Deux, was the one who first brought the untitled project to Haynes and his producers at Killer Films, and originally agreed to take part.
Themoviewas said to tell the story of an intensegayromance in the 1930s, with Danny Ramirez, of Captain America: Brave New World, set to co-star.
However, just five days before production was set to get underway inMexico, Phoenix backed out and left the rest of the cast and crew scrambling. The role is not set to be recast.
The actor has not spoken out to offer a clear reason for his departure, but Christine Vachon, a producer from Killer Films, shared an article about the situation in a since-deleted social media post and described it as a 'nightmare'.
According to Kyle Buchanan of the New York Times, Phoenix said: "It would just be sharing my opinion and the other creatives aren't here to share their piece.
" It does not feel like that would be right. I do not think that would be helpful so I just do not think I will. Thank you. ”
Due to how short notice Phoenix pulling out was, losses are expected to be upwards of seven figures.
IndieWire have said that, speaking to industry sources, there are multiple key stakeholders who will still be owed compensation for the movie.
The film will not be able to continue on with Ramirez and another actor.
Todd Haynes' representative declined to comment when contacted by LADbible.Featured Image Credit: Jose Oliva / Europa Press via Getty Images / Michael Buckner / Variety via Getty Images
Topics: Joaquin Phoenix , Film and TV
Joaquin Phoenix risks being blacklisted from Hollywood after 'outrageously' leaving project at last minute
The Joker actor Joaquin Phoenix backed out of Todd Haynes' new project just days before production
Joaquin Phoenix could be in danger of being blacklisted from Hollywood projects after he abandoned a movie. just days before it went into production.
Phoenixhas brought the world a whole range of gripping and entertaining characters throughout his career, but when it came to a new project from director Todd Haynes, the actor decided to step out of the spotlight.
Phoenix, who's next set to appear inJoker: Folie à Deux, was the one who first brought the untitled project to Haynes and his producers at Killer Films, and originally agreed to take part.
Themoviewas said to tell the story of an intensegayromance in the 1930s, with Danny Ramirez, of Captain America: Brave New World, set to co-star.
However, just five days before production was set to get underway inMexico, Phoenix backed out and left the rest of the cast and crew scrambling. The role is not set to be recast.
The actor has not spoken out to offer a clear reason for his departure, but Christine Vachon, a producer from Killer Films, shared an article about the situation in a since-deleted social media post and described it as a 'nightmare'.
Joaquin Phoenix has not shared a reason for the departure. (Borja B. Hojas / WireImage)
Now, sources close to the project have spoken to The Hollywood Reporter and claimed Phoenix's exit has had big repercussions.
"There's been a huge amount of outrage," one studio exec told the publication.
Sources have allegedly claimed that 'some producers have idly talked about blackballing Phoenix' as a result of his sudden departure from the project, though they've reportedly acknowledged that his appearance in the highly-anticipated Joker sequel means he'll still be a hot topic in the industry.
Members of the producing community have reportedly suggested Phoenix could be hit with legal action over his departure, with other stars having previously been accused of breach of contract for similar exits.
Now, sources close to the project have spoken to The Hollywood Reporter and claimed Phoenix's exit has had big repercussions.
"There's been a huge amount of outrage," one studio exec told the publication.
Sources have allegedly claimed that 'some producers have idly talked about blackballing Phoenix' as a result of his sudden departure from the project, though they've reportedly acknowledged that his appearance in the highly-anticipated Joker sequel means he'll still be a hot topic in the industry.
Members of the producing community have reportedly suggested Phoenix could be hit with legal action over his departure, with other stars having previously been accused of breach of contract for similar exits.
Phoenix initially brought the project to Killer Films. (Samir Hussein / WireImage) However, one agent who is not connected to the Haynes movie told THR Phoenix is not likely to face significant repercussions, and may instead settle the issue by repaying the money already spent on the movie's production.
“As long as they threaten, he'll settle. It's nothing to him, "the agent claimed.
Though Phoenix has not explained his decision to leave, the actor previously told 60 Minutes' Anderson Cooper he often feels' petrified 'when taking on a role.
He also expressed feeling 'nervous' that he won't be able to find 'the right kind of place to express' his ideas.
UNILAD has contacted representatives for Joaquin Phoenix for comment.Featured Image Credit: Robin L Marshall / FilmMagic via Getty / Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images
Topics: Celebrity , Hollywood , Joaquin Phoenix , Joker , Mexico , Film and TV
Olivia Rodrigo was 'so scared' watching new Joaquin Phoenix film she walked out the theater
She said the film was one of the most disturbing she has seen
Scary movies can be a fantastic art form, but they are definitely not for everyone.
There's nothing fun about lying awake at night, jumping at every shadow in your room. Suddenly the pile of clothes on the chair morphs into the shape of something awful which has come for you.
Olivia Rodrigo has had such a visceral reaction to a movie starring Joaquin Phoenix that she had to get up and leave the cinema.
I know Napoleon was a terrifying dictatorial figure, but it’s extraordinary that the mere hint of his presence still inspires such terror across history.
Wait, sorry, not that Joaquin Phoenix movie.
The movie was actually Beau is Afraid , a surreal psychological tragicomic horror movie which sees Phoenix playing the titular Beau. He is on his way to go and visit his mother, and undergoes a series of increasingly detached and disturbing encounters on the way.
MEGA/GC Images/Getty
Rodrigo said: “I’m a big thriller girl, but I watch a few scary movies here and there. I convince myself that I see sh*t after I come home from watching ‘Insidious’ or something."
We've certainly all been there. There's nothing like a scary movie to make the shadows dance on your bedroom wall. The shape outside that you know is just a tree branch is suddenly an arm grasping to break through the window.
She continued: "Also, I watched that new Ari Aster movie ‘Beau Is Afraid’ and I got so scared. I literally had to walk out of the theater. I have never had such a visceral reaction to a movie in my life. It felt like a bad acid trip.”
Sony Pictures Releasing UK
Beau is Afraid was written and directed by Ari Aster, the mind behind the highly disturbing literal cult movie Midsommer and Hereditary.
The movie saw a very divided response from viewers. In an interview with Empire, Aster said that he hoped people would return to it.
He said: “It’s definitely a film that I think benefits from going back. I don’t think you quite know what it is until you’ve gone all the way through. I imagine that the second viewing would be hopefully rich in a way that the first one can’t.
"It’s designed to be wrestled with. I consider the film to be a picaresque, and I think part of that tradition is a certain irreverence towards the integrity of any sort of narrative structure. The film is designed to kind of shapeshift a lot.”Featured Image Credit: Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images / Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Topics: Film and TV, Joaquin Phoenix, News, UK News, US News, Olivia Rodrigo
Joaquin Phoenix's new film hailed as 'captivating' as it's met with 5-star reviews
Joaquin Phoenix's next film - Napoleon - has been handed a bunch of 5-star reviews.
A new film from the brilliant Joaquin Phoenix has been hailed as 'captivating' as it is set to hit cinemas in the US from next Wednesday (22 November).
Ever since bagging his 2020 Oscar for Best Actor following his knock-out performance in Joker, fans of Phoenix have been desperate to see what he'll do next.
Napoleon, directed by Ridley Scott, is the next big release featuring the much loved film star as he plays the historical legend Napoleon Bonaparte.
The new movie - which will depict the French leader's rise to power, as well as his relationship with Empress Joséphine - has been hailed by industry critics with recent reviews.
An official synopsis for the film reads: "A look at the military commander's origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor, viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine."
As is usually the case ahead of any big film release, much of the media get the chance to watch the movie ahead of the release so they can inform their readers whether to take the plunge or not.
And it's certainly fair to say critics are loving Napoleon as it is awarded a ton of five-star reviews.
Rodrigo said: “I’m a big thriller girl, but I watch a few scary movies here and there. I convince myself that I see sh*t after I come home from watching ‘Insidious’ or something."
We've certainly all been there. There's nothing like a scary movie to make the shadows dance on your bedroom wall. The shape outside that you know is just a tree branch is suddenly an arm grasping to break through the window.
She continued: "Also, I watched that new Ari Aster movie ‘Beau Is Afraid’ and I got so scared. I literally had to walk out of the theater. I have never had such a visceral reaction to a movie in my life. It felt like a bad acid trip.”
Sony Pictures Releasing UKBeau is Afraid was written and directed by Ari Aster, the mind behind the highly disturbing literal cult movie Midsommer and Hereditary.
The movie saw a very divided response from viewers. In an interview with Empire, Aster said that he hoped people would return to it.
He said: “It’s definitely a film that I think benefits from going back. I don’t think you quite know what it is until you’ve gone all the way through. I imagine that the second viewing would be hopefully rich in a way that the first one can’t.
"It’s designed to be wrestled with. I consider the film to be a picaresque, and I think part of that tradition is a certain irreverence towards the integrity of any sort of narrative structure. The film is designed to kind of shapeshift a lot.”Featured Image Credit: Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images / Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Topics: Film and TV, Joaquin Phoenix, News, UK News, US News, Olivia Rodrigo
Joaquin Phoenix's new film hailed as 'captivating' as it's met with 5-star reviews
Joaquin Phoenix's next film - Napoleon - has been handed a bunch of 5-star reviews.
A new film from the brilliant Joaquin Phoenix has been hailed as 'captivating' as it is set to hit cinemas in the US from next Wednesday (22 November).
Ever since bagging his 2020 Oscar for Best Actor following his knock-out performance in Joker, fans of Phoenix have been desperate to see what he'll do next.
Napoleon, directed by Ridley Scott, is the next big release featuring the much loved film star as he plays the historical legend Napoleon Bonaparte.
The new movie - which will depict the French leader's rise to power, as well as his relationship with Empress Joséphine - has been hailed by industry critics with recent reviews.
An official synopsis for the film reads: "A look at the military commander's origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor, viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine."
As is usually the case ahead of any big film release, much of the media get the chance to watch the movie ahead of the release so they can inform their readers whether to take the plunge or not.
And it's certainly fair to say critics are loving Napoleon as it is awarded a ton of five-star reviews.
Sony Pictures EntertainmentCurrently, Napoleon sits at an impressive 78 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, after reviewers watched through the 2 hour, 38 minute long film.
Peter Bradshaw, from The Guardian penned: "Scott has created an outrageously enjoyable cavalry charge of a movie, a full-tilt biopic of two and a half hours in which Scott doesn’t allow his troops to get bogged down mid-gallop in the muddy terrain of either fact or metaphysical significance."
Collider's Ross Bonaime added: "Napoleon is a grand film, both in terms of Scott creating a story with a size we’ve rarely seen from him, and the bold, large choices made by a completely game Phoenix."
While Kevin Maher from The Times said: "The captivating power of Phoenix’s performance, delivered in his American vernacular, is that it hovers in a twitchy, shifty, grey zone between imperious outbursts, wounded vulnerability and puckish charm."
Sony Pictures EntertainmentRegular movie geeks may not have had the opportunity to watch Napoleon yet, but that hasn't stopped them flocking to social media to express their excitement for the project.
"Finally a movie that is worth going to the cinema for. Thank god there are still filmmakers like Ridley Scott," one X, formerly known as Twitter, user wrote.
While another added: "Music, the cinematography, the action, how does Ridley Scott make the best big battle movies in cinema? He's one of the greatest artists of our lifetime."Featured Image Credit: Columbia Pictures
Topics: Joaquin Phoenix, Film and TV
Kaley Cuoco speaks out about filming Big Bang Theory sex scenes with ex-boyfriend Johnny Galecki
Kaley Cuoco revealed what it was like to share on-set sex scenes with Johnny Galecki after their breakup
There's nothing more nightmarish than working with an ex.
So spare a thought for poor Kaley Cuoco had it even worse and had to film sex scenes post-break up with her ex-boyfriend Johnny Galecki - who recently revealed he'd secretly got married and become a father.
It sounds like it would be one of the most uncomfortable things going, but Kuoco spoke of the reality of working alongside her The Big Bang Theory co-star.
The actors play bombshell Penny and lovable Leonard in the popular science-based sitcom and got together in real-life in 2008, but mutually decided to break up a year later.
Although the couple had split, the on-screen couple of Penny and Leonard were still going strong, and had to film intimate scenes together for the show.
Cuoco opened up about the awkward situation in a conversation with Dax Shephard on his Armchair Expert podcast back in 2020.
Instagram / @ armchairexppod She said: "So we dated really early on for almost two years. It was very early on in the show. I remember when we did the pilot, I was just crushing so hard on Galecki.
" I had such a crush on him, and I did not think he felt that way about me. "
She continued:" I remember when we broke up, and it was a little sensitive for a minute, but I remember those weeks that Chuck [Lorre] had written these episodes, and suddenly our characters were sleeping together every other second.
"We would talk about what happened on set, and we would make fun of ourselves because there was nothing to tell each other anymore."
Kevin Mazur / Getty Cuoco added: "We would get [to set] together, we'd leave together.
" It was just kind of too much. It's different on a sitcom 'cause on a one-hour, you do not see everyone every day. We saw each other every day.
"We were just kind of like: 'I have nothing else to tell you.'
"Luckily, Johnny and I came out of it so brilliantly. We are closer today than we ever were. "
The podcast wasn't the first time Cuoco discussed her crush on her co-star, with both actors previously discussing the relationship in Jessica Radloff's 2022 book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story. of the Epic Hit Series.
Cuoco said: "I had a very big crush on Johnny early on. I was so not even hiding it. He has such swagger.
"We were both dating people at the time, but I only had eyes for Johnny.
" Then, when I found out he had eyes for me too, I was like, 'Uh-oh, this is going to be trouble. "
Galecki added: "I have a healthy ego, but you really have to kind of club me over the head to let me know you're flirting with me.
"I had zero idea of any sort of crush before Kaley and I began dating ."
