Pedro Pascal is rescuing an exciting film that was previously in limbo. Last year, Joaquin Phoenix dropped out of "De Noche," a gay romance directed by Oscar nominee Todd Haynes. Pascal is stepping in, taking over the lead role of a hard-boiled detective.
Pascal shared the news on his social media, sharing numerous photos on Instagram that highlight Hayne's stunning filmography. He also shared a cute photo alongside Danny Ramirez, his co-star. "De nada," Pascal captioned the post.
"Empieza el baile," wrote Ramirez in the comments section.
Haynes shared a statement, previewing the film, which he wrote alongside his longtime collaborator Jon Raymond, inspired by noir classic movies like "Chinatown."
“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," reads his statement, per Variety. “But it emerges as a testament to the inexplicable powers of desire and love to survive and overcome even the most crippling of human barriers."
This marks Pascal's first time working with Haynes and his second time working with Ramirez. The two actors worked on the second season of "The Last of Us."
The outlet reports that the film traces the love story between a detective and a boarding school teacher during the 1930s, in Los Angeles, a moment when the city was battling corruption and the world was preparing for war. The two flee to Mexico after they begin to be persecuted by the authorities.
What happened with Joaquin Phoenix?
Joaquin Phoenix played a key part in the development of the film, with him bringing the story initially to Haynes. He dropped out five days before the start of the shoot in Mexico, leaving the production in a difficult spot, with producers and executives having acquired distribution and sets built.
In late 2024, Haynes addressed Phoenix's departure from the film for the first time. “What happened this summer was tough. But the film itself and the script itself may resurrect in a different form someday," he said at the Marrakech Film Festival.
Phoenix discussed his departure at the Venice Film Festival in September of 2024. “If I do, I’ll just be sharing my opinion from my perspective, and the other creatives aren’t here to say their piece, and it just doesn’t feel like that would be right," he said. “I am not sure how that would be helpful. I don’t think I will."