Pedro Pascal may be stepping into the role that Joaquin Phoenix abruptly vacated in Todd Haynes’ upcoming feature De Noche. Sources confirm that the Emmy-nominated star has been in consideration for the part since late last year, though discussions are only now surfacing publicly.

The period romance, set in 1930s Mexico, centres on a passionate relationship between two men. Danny Ramirez remains attached as Pascal’s potential co-star. Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler are producing under Killer Films.

The project drew attention last August when Phoenix, who had originally brought the idea to Haynes and helped shape it with him, exited just days before filming was scheduled to begin in Guadalajara. The sudden departure left the team “devastated”, according to insiders, though Phoenix never publicly explained his reasons for backing out.

Pascal, who shared the screen with Phoenix in Ari Aster’s Eddington, has been busy on multiple fronts this year with appearances in Materialists and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. His upcoming slate includes The Mandalorian and Grogu, slated for release in 2026, alongside his acclaimed turn in HBO’s The Last of Us, which earned him another Emmy nod.

As for Haynes, De Noche follows his 2023 Netflix drama May December, starring Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, which scored an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The director is also celebrated for Far From Heaven, I’m Not There, and Carol, the latter starring Phoenix’s long-time partner, Rooney Mara.