"De Noche" Film Gets New Life with Pascal

The queer romance film "De Noche" is seeing a revival following a significant casting change. Pedro Pascal has taken over the leading role, a year after the initial star, Joaquin Phoenix, departed the project in 2024. Producer Christine Vachon described Pascal as being "born to play" the part, alongside Danny Ramirez, who also joined the cast.

Vachon admitted that Phoenix's exit was "devastating" at the time, potentially dooming the film. However, the subsequent "do-over" proved beneficial. Pascal and Haynes met on the awards circuit while Haynes was promoting "May December." The film's setting has also been updated from Guadalajara to Mexico City, a change Vachon found to be creatively superior.

Phoenix had reportedly stormed off the set in Guadalajara, Mexico, in July 2024. He was set to star with Ramirez as two men in the 1930s developing an intense romantic relationship and relocating to Mexico. The project was rescued last August when Pascal assumed the lead, with production rescheduled for earlier this year.