Actor Joaquin Phoenix unexpectedly withdrew from a yet untitled romance film helmed by Todd Haynes last month, days before production was set to start. The move has caused a stir in Hollywood, leading to speculation about possible legal repercussions.

The sudden departure of Phoenix has left the project in a state of uncertainty and significantly impacted the cast and crew, many of whom were already in Guadalajara, Mexico, ready to start filming when they learned of his decision.

Phoenix, 49, played a key role in bringing the project to Haynes and worked on the screenplay with the director and writer Jon Raymond. The film, set in the 1930s, was intended to explore a romance between two men, an approach that was expected to push the boundaries with its NC-17 rating. Reports suggest Phoenix was pressuring for more explicit content, making his exit all the more surprising.

Phoenix’s decision to leave, which according to sources was due to “cold feet,” has put the future of the film at risk. The abrupt departure just five days before the start of filming has put the production in a challenging situation, with sets already constructed and sizable financial investments committed.

In the past, Phoenix, who is known for his method acting and rigorous preparation, has shown signs of hesitation before taking on major roles. He nearly walked away from Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” until certain conditions were met. In a “60 Minutes” interview with Anderson Cooper, Phoenix confessed that he often feels “petrified” when he accepts a role, fearing he won’t be able to properly express his ideas.

The implications of Phoenix’s decision are substantial. The film, produced by Killer Films and supported by MK2 Film, had already been sold to international distributors, and its failure could lead to losses exceeding one million dollars. The aftermath has left the production team, including his co-star Danny Ramirez, known for “Top Gun” and “Maverick,” who was supposed to play Phoenix’s love interest, in a state of confusion.

While there are discussions about potential legal action against Phoenix, some are drawing parallels to Kim Basinger’s breach of contract in the 1993 “Boxing Helena” case. However, many believe a financial settlement is more probable. An insider predicted Phoenix might settle for a low seven-figure sum, given his significant earnings from his “Joker” films.

Phoenix’s sudden exit comes at a crucial time as he is about to start promoting “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the highly anticipated sequel to his Oscar-winning role. However, this controversy could overshadow the promotional tour. Regardless, many in the industry believe that Phoenix’s career won’t suffer long-term damage due to his proven talent and box office success.

Christine Vachon of Killer Films shared her frustration on Facebook, noting that Phoenix’s withdrawal had turned the situation into a nightmare, given that it was his project that he had brought to them.

For the time being, the future of Haynes’ untitled film is unclear. With Phoenix’s exit, the project may never see the light of day. As the situation unfolds, the industry will be watching closely to see how the production team and Phoenix handle the aftermath.