In a dramatic twist for the much-anticipated film *De Noche*, Pedro Pascal has stepped in as the lead after Joaquin Phoenix’s unexpected exit just days before filming was to commence. This transition marks a significant moment for the queer romance directed by Todd Haynes, a filmmaker renowned for his poignant explorations of love and identity.
A Last-Minute Exit
Five days prior to the start of production in July 2024, Phoenix reportedly backed out of the project, leaving the cast and crew in a precarious position. The withdrawal sparked considerable frustration, with industry insiders expressing outrage over the abrupt decision. A source revealed to *Variety* that Phoenix’s withdrawal stemmed from “cold feet,” a sentiment echoed by an executive who described the situation as a “huge amount of outrage.”
During a subsequent press conference for *Joker: Folie à Deux*, Phoenix touched upon his departure, suggesting that discussing it publicly would not be fair to the other creatives involved. “I think, if I do, I’d just be sharing my opinion from my perspective… and I just don’t feel like that would be right,” he stated.
Pascal Joins the Cast
On Wednesday, MK2 Films officially announced Pascal’s casting, much to the excitement of fans and industry watchers alike. Set to star alongside Danny Ramirez—who gained acclaim for his role in *Top Gun: Maverick*—the film is slated to begin shooting next month. Pascal took to Instagram to share the news, posting a selection of images from Haynes’ previous works alongside a photo with Ramirez.
This collaboration marks Pascal’s third project with Ramirez, having previously worked together on HBO’s *The Last of Us* and the upcoming Marvel film *Avengers: Doomsday*. Haynes shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This story, with Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez in the two leads, arises out of an era – all too relevant to our own – of domestic corruption, racial exploitation, and global terror.”
A Tale Rooted in History
*De Noche* is set against the backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles, chronicling the unexpected romance between a detective, portrayed by Pascal, and a boarding school teacher, played by Ramirez. As the narrative unfolds, the characters confront societal challenges that compel them to seek refuge in Mexico. Haynes, who has previously garnered accolades for films such as *Carol* (2015) and *May December* (2023), has described the work as a “love story between two men that has explicit sexual content.”
Originally, Phoenix had collaborated with Haynes and writer Jon Raymond on the screenplay, contributing ideas that Haynes transformed into a full narrative structure. The film, which is expected to receive an NC-17 rating due to its mature themes, seeks to push boundaries and challenge audience perceptions.
The Stakes of Artistic Expression
The path to production has not been without hurdles. Phoenix’s anxiety about the film, as reported by *The Hollywood Reporter*, is reflective of his broader creative process. He nearly withdrew from the biopic *Napoleon*, only agreeing to proceed once his trusted collaborator Paul Thomas Anderson was brought on board for rewrites.
As MK2 Films gears up to produce *De Noche*, they are joined by notable partners including Killer Films and Paloma Negra Films. Fionnuala Jamison, the managing director of MK2, expressed confidence in the project’s potential, stating, “Few filmmakers connect with audiences as strongly as Todd Haynes… it is a stand-out project we are proud to be a part of and share with buyers.”
Why it Matters
The casting of Pedro Pascal in *De Noche* not only revives a project that faced significant setbacks but also highlights the ongoing importance of representation in film. As audiences increasingly seek stories that reflect diverse experiences and relationships, Haynes’ work promises to contribute meaningfully to this dialogue. By navigating themes of love amidst societal challenges, *De Noche* stands poised to resonate with viewers in a contemporary context, ultimately proving that the human capacity for connection transcends even the most formidable obstacles.
