Pedro Pascal is in talks to replace Joaquin Phoenix in Todd Haynes' gay romance film De Noche

Pedro Pascal is in talks to replace Joaquin Phoenix in Todd Haynes' gay romance film De Noche.

Multiple outlets, including Deadline, report that the 50-year-old actor is being lined up to play Danny Ramirez's love interest in the flick, after the Joker star abruptly exited the project just days before the film was set to start shooting on location in Guadalajara, Mexico, in August 2024.

According to the outlet, production will now kick off in early 2026, in the same location.

Phoenix's departure from the then-untitled movie was branded a "nightmare" by one of the producers.

The 50-year-old actor hasn't explained his reasoning behind abandoning the role, but Christine Vachon - who works for Killer Films - admitted it left the team in doubt about whether the film could be made.

In a post on Facebook, she shared an article about the drama and wrote: "A version of this did happen. It has been a nightmare. If I haven't been in touch or returned your call - this is why."