Joaquin Phoenix quits movie 5 days before filming due to ‘cold feet,’ leaving project in ‘peril’ as role can’t be recast

Joaquin Phoenix backed out from his latest movie project at the last minute, leaving the film at risk of getting scrapped altogether, according to multiple reports.

The Oscar winner, 49, was set to play the lead role in a gay romance flick directed by Todd Haynes.

However, sources told Variety Friday that Phoenix allegedly got “cold feet” and abruptly quit the movie just five days before cameras were to start rolling.

According to Deadline, who broke the news of the movie star’s departure, the film about two gay lovers who leave California for Mexico allegedly had “dicey intimacy scenes.”

Joaquin Phoenix quit his latest movie project. Dave Benett/Getty Images for Apple He reportedly got “cold feet.” AFP via Getty Images

It’s unknown whether the nerves that Phoenix reportedly felt were because of the steamy scenes.

However, the “Joker” star was heavily involved in the screenplay alongside Haynes and Jon Raymond.

“The next film is a feature that’s an original script that I developed with Joaquin Phoenix based on some thoughts and ideas he brought to me,” the director, 63, told IndieWire in May 2023.

“We basically wrote with him as a story writer. Me and Jon Raymond and Joaquin share the story credit. And we hope to be shooting it beginning early next year. It’s a gay love story set in 1930s LA.”

Phoenix was set to play the lead role in a gay romance film. Getty Images for TIFF He reportedly departed the film just five days before shooting was set to begin. Getty Images for Turner

Phoenix’s exit is further complicated by the fact that his role reportedly cannot be recast.

Sources told Variety that Haynes’ project is now in “peril” as a result and that the crew is out of work.

Stakeholders in the film reportedly still need to be paid, though, allegedly causing there to be a debt that could exceed seven figures.

Reps for Phoenix and Hayes did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.

The project has reportedly been left in “peril” because of Phoenix’s exit. Variety via Getty Images His role cannot be recast. WireImage

Phoenix is known for his method acting and it has seemingly taken a toll on his mental health over the years.

In 2017, he opened up about checking into rehab because he found himself drinking and partying too much after playing Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line.”

‘There’s too many things I enjoy doing and I don’t want to wake up feeling hungover,” he previously told the New York Times.

“It’s not a thing I fight against — it’s just the way I live my life. Some of it’s probably age.’’

Phoenix, seen here in “Joker,” is known for his method acting. GC Images Phoenix had to check himself into rehab after playing Johnny Cash.

Sources close to the actor then gave Page Six insight into his recluse lifestyle in 2018.

A film producer who worked with Phoenix told us at the time, “He’s better at being a character than being himself. He really thinks he’s boring. Hiding is just a natural state for him.”

The insider added that the “Her” star was “good at playing traumatized” because he “was traumatized.”

“He’s better at being a character than being himself,” a producer who worked with Phoenix previously told Page Six. Warner Bros. Pictures Phoenix has not yet commented on his departure from Haynes’ film. WireImage

The producer pointed out of Phoenix, “He grew up . . . in a cult. His brother died in front of him. None of that presupposes someone who’s going to turn out normal.”

However, the “Hotel Rwanda” star has seen some personal highs in recent months.

Phoenix and his wife, Rooney Mara, announced in February they are expecting their second child.