Pedro Pascal Steps Into Todd Haynes’ De Noche After Joaquin Phoenix Exit

Pedro Pascal has officially joined Todd Haynes’ upcoming gay romance De Noche, stepping into the lead role after Joaquin Phoenix’s sudden departure nearly derailed the project. The film, set in 1930s Los Angeles, begins production next month and promises to be one of Haynes’ boldest works yet.

A Noir Love Story

De Noche follows the forbidden love affair between a police detective, played by Pascal, and a boarding school teacher, portrayed by Danny Ramirez. Set against the backdrop of political corruption and racial exploitation, the two lovers flee to Mexico after becoming targets of the city’s powerful political machine. Haynes, known for acclaimed films like Carol and May December, co-wrote the script with longtime collaborator Jon Raymond. This marks the first time since 2007’s I’m Not There that Haynes has directed a feature from his own script.

Star Power Behind the Project

Pascal, fresh off blockbuster roles in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and indie projects like Materialists and Eddington, brings his signature intensity to the role. Ramirez, who starred in Top Gun: Maverick and HBO’s The Last of Us alongside Pascal, adds depth to the romantic pairing.

Haynes has described the film as sexually explicit and anticipates an NC-17 rating, underscoring its raw exploration of desire and survival. “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,” Haynes told 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.”

From Setback to Revival

Phoenix, who initially brought the project to Haynes, abruptly exited in September 2024, just before production was set to begin. His departure cast doubt on the film’s future, but Pascal’s arrival has revived momentum and secured the film’s path forward. Haynes admitted the setback was difficult but remained hopeful. “What happened this summer was tough,” he said. “But the film itself and the script itself may resurrect in a different form someday.” With Pascal now on board, De Noche is poised to become one of the year’s most anticipated releases.