Pedro Pascal Takes On New Role In 'De Noche' After Joaquin Phoenix'S Exit

Pedro Pascal Joins 'De Noche' as Lead Detective

Pedro Pascal is stepping into the spotlight once again, taking over the lead role in the film "De Noche" after Joaquin Phoenix's unexpected departure. The film, a gay romance set in 1930s Los Angeles, has been in the works with Oscar-nominated director Todd Haynes at the helm. Originally brought to life by Phoenix, the project now finds itself rejuvenated with Pascal's involvement, promising a thrilling mix of romance and intrigue.

Pascal took to Instagram to share his excitement, posting a series of photos that celebrate Haynes' artistic vision. In one post, he is seen alongside his co-star Danny Ramirez, captioning it with a simple "De nada." Ramirez, in high spirits, replied with "Empieza el baile" in the comments, signaling the start of what is bound to be an electrifying project.

“This story, with Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez in the two leads, arises out of an era – all too relevant to our own – of domestic corruption, racial exploitation, and global terror," director Todd Haynes shared, emphasizing the film's profound themes.

Behind the Scenes Drama with Joaquin Phoenix

The journey of "De Noche" wasn't always smooth sailing. Joaquin Phoenix originally played a pivotal role in the film's development, bringing the story to Todd Haynes. However, just five days before filming was set to begin in Mexico, Phoenix dropped out, leaving the production team scrambling. Despite the setback, Haynes and the team remained determined to move forward.

In a statement at the Marrakech Film Festival in late 2024, Haynes addressed the situation, hinting at the resilience of the project. "What happened this summer was tough. But the film itself and the script itself may resurrect in a different form someday," he expressed with hope.

Phoenix, respecting the creative process and the voices of his peers, chose to maintain silence on the particulars of his exit when questioned at the Venice Film Festival. "If I do, I’ll just be sharing my opinion from my perspective, and the other creatives aren’t here to say their piece, and it just doesn’t feel like that would be right," he stated, highlighting the complexity of collaborative art.

A Fresh Start with a Talented Cast

With Pascal now in the lead, "De Noche" is set to explore a compelling narrative of love against the backdrop of a city grappling with corruption and looming war. The story follows a detective, played by Pascal, who falls for a boarding school teacher, portrayed by Ramirez. As their love story unfolds, they find themselves on the run, escaping to Mexico as they evade relentless authorities.

This marks the first collaboration between Pascal and Haynes, and the second time Pascal is sharing the screen with Ramirez, after their previous work on "The Last of Us". The chemistry between the two actors is expected to bring a vibrant dynamic to the film, promising audiences a captivating cinematic experience right out of the City of Angels.

As "De Noche" gears up for production, fans eagerly await to see how Pascal and Ramirez will breathe life into this tale of passion and perseverance, set in a time that eerily mirrors today's societal challenges.