Pedro Pascal is currently in talks to take on the lead role in De Noche, a gay romantic drama directed by Todd Haynes, according to Variety.
The film project drew attention last August when actor Joaquin Phoenix exited the film just five days before production was scheduled to start in Guadalajara, Mexico. Danny Ramirez is still slated to co-star in the film, which centers around a passionate queer romance set in the 1930s.
Phoenix, 50, originally pitched the project to Haynes and collaborated with him during its development, but later backed out. He hasn't shared any public explanation for his decision to leave, though a source previously told The Hollywood Reporter that the film’s team was left “devastated” by his exit.
After The Joker actor's abrupt decision to leave the project, the film was not expected to move forward. However, the potential casting of 50-year-old Pascal has revived the once-abandoned feature.
Fans on Reddit didn't waste any time in discussing the possible casting of Pascal, and even speculated on why Phoenix might have walked away from a film he played such a key role in developing.
"Joaquin has a habit of getting cold feet and wanting to drop out," said a Redditor. When someone asked what other movies he had done that with, one fan replied, "He's tried to back out of Gladiator, The Joker, C'Mon C'Mon, and Napoleon."
Most commenters seemed excited about the Last of Us actor starring in De Noche.
"The way I was so upset when the project was cancelled and now to have Pedro start it in!?? Yes please. I will be seated," said one user. Another commented, "I don’t care that people whine about him “being in everything” (he’s not). I want him in everything. He’s talented and genuinely kind and worked his ass off to get to this point. Put him in whatever tf he wants."
There’s still no update on when production will resume, although De Noche had already secured deals with international distributors before filming began.