Pedro Pascal is a 'revelation' in Todd Haynes' film

At the Edinburgh Film Festival on Friday, August 15, 2026, prolific independent producer Christine Vachon declared Pedro Pascal a "revelation" in Todd Haynes' re-worked gay romance movie, De Noche. The film, currently in post-production, faced a setback when Joaquin Phoenix withdrew just before shooting began.

Vachon, who described Phoenix's exit as a "tragedy," explained at an industry talk how she and Haynes rebuilt the project. She humorously admitted to liking Pascal better than Phoenix and expressed that the role seemed "born" for Pascal, calling him and Danny Ramirez "extraordinary." The do-over also allowed for a better shoot location.

Vachon, who also produced Celine Song's Materialists which featured Pascal, confirmed his genuine kindness, stating, "He is. People are so invested. They love him." The producer also touched on the changing landscape of LGBTQ+ cinema and audience engagement, noting the shift from physical spaces to online platforms.

She expressed optimism regarding the under-30 demographic dominating theater attendance, despite acknowledging a "time of great disruption" for queer film. Vachon reflected on past films like Poison and Safe, noting their delayed critical appreciation and how streaming services now offer opportunities for movies to find audiences later.

When asked about AI use, Vachon confirmed employing it for synopses and seeking restaurant recommendations, particularly during the Venice Film Festival.