00:00A producer at Todd Haynes' latest film is reacting to Joaquin Phoenix's abrupt exit
00:05from the project, calling it a nightmare. Reports surfaced on Friday that Phoenix
00:10exited the drama feature just five days before filming was set to begin in Guadalajara, Mexico.
00:15The role will not be recast. The actor's reason for the exit was unclear and felt further confusing
00:21to those around the project as Phoenix brought the project to Haynes. Christine Vakken, a producer
00:26at Killer Films, shared an article about the situation to Facebook over the weekend and wrote,
00:31"'A version of this did happen. It has been a nightmare.'"
00:34The producer also addressed criticism that Phoenix, who is straight,
00:37had been set to take a starring role in Haynes' film about a gay character.
00:40"'If you are tempted to finger-wag or admonish us that that's what you get for
00:44casting a straight actor, don't. This was his project that he brought to us,
00:49and Killer's record on working with LGBTQ actors, crew, directors speaks for itself.'"
00:54Haynes' movie was set to focus on an intense gay romance in the 1930s and co-stars Danny Ramirez.
01:01A source told The Hollywood Reporter that the team was devastated by Phoenix's exit
01:05and that the amount of money spent on the film was in the low seven figures.
01:09Phoenix will next be seen in Todd Phillips' Joker Folie Aux Deux on October 4.
01:14For more on this story, head to THR.com.
01:17And for the latest entertainment news and updates, keep watching The Hollywood Reporter News.
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