Is Todd Haynes' Gay Noir Romance Truly Dead after Joaquin Phoenix Bailed? Director Says Film Might 'Resurrect'

Todd Haynes briefly opened up on the subject of whether his untitled 1930s-set gay romantic drama might yet be salvaged after Joaquin Phoenix's abrupt departure left the production in disarray, Variety reported.

"During a conversation at Marrakech Film Festival on Friday, Variety asked Haynes about the project, upon which the moderator then said the director would not speak on," the entertainment magazine related.

"However, Haynes proceeded to make a brief statement," Variety added.

The 63-year-old director addressed the situation, in which Phoenix reportedly left the project last August, mere days before filming was set to commence. Sets had been built and a crew was on location in Mexico, meaning that a considerable sum had already been spent.

"What happened this summer was tough," Variety quoted the "Carol" director saying. However, the director added that "the film itself and the script itself may resurrect in a different form someday."

Phoenix himself had brought the idea for the film to Haynes, which, Variety recalled, "apparently followed a corrupt cop and his younger lover as they fled 1930s Los Angeles for Mexico, with Phoenix set to star alongside Danny Ramirez."

"There's speculation among the crew that the exit has to do with the planned NC-17 gay scenes in the film," Vulture reported at the time, "but Phoenix is the one who pitched the 'love story and with a strong sexual component,'" as Haynes previously told Variety.

"'Joaquin was pushing it further into more dangerous territory, sexually,' Haynes said at the time," Vulture recalled.

Producer Christine Vachon took to Facebook in a since-deleted post that called the actor's departure "a nightmare," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Haynes' comments come after various speculations about who, if anyone, might replace Phoenix if the project were to go forward. Out gay wrestler Anthony Bowens seemingly suggested he might be a good fit for the role; Pedro Pascal was another name that was floated.

Phoenix himself declined to say anything about his reasons for departing the film, declaring at a press conference for the movie "Joker: Folie à Deux" at the Venice Film Festival that for him to comment would "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," Phoenix said. "I am not sure how that would be helpful. I don't think I will."

The film had stirred controversy from the start, given that Phoenix, a straight actor, was slated to play a gay character. Vachon's now-deleted post seemed intended to get ahead of further controversy on this front, advising readers, "If you are tempted to finger wag or admonish us that 'that's what you get for casting a straight actor' – DON'T."