Danny Ramirez is speaking up about the abrupt and “disappointing” exit of Joaquin Phoenix from Todd Haynes’ planned queer romance movie. It was announced in September of 2023 that Haynes (the director behind Carol and May December) was making a “sexually explicit movie” about two men in love.

Danny Ramirez is ready to talk about the "disappointing" experience of having Joaquin Phoenix abruptly exit a film the two were set to co-star in. Ramirez landed the co-lead role in Todd Haynes' now-shelved queer romance after what Ramirez called an "extensive" audition process.

"It's definitely disappointing. If anything, it just gave me more inspiration to keep driving, keep pushing, and knowing that I’m on the right path and approaching the work the right way. So, that’s what I’m excited about.

Variety's Marc Malkin interviewed Ramirez, who recently finished filming for the second season of The Last of Us, at the recent Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles and talked about a project he had lined up with Phoenix and director Todd Haynes.

Joaquin Phoenix’s sudden decision to exit a film has resulted in conflict. The actor was set to star in a romantic drama directed by Todd Haynes and made headlines when he withdrew just days before filming was scheduled to begin.

Danny Ramirez, who was set to star alongside Joaquin Phoenix in a gay romance film from Todd Haynes, said the situation is 'disappointing.'

Lewis Pullman explained why he would 'love' to take over Joaquin Phoenix's lead role in Todd Haynes' shelved queer romance.

Danny Ramirez says costar Joaquin Phoenix dropping out of Todd Haynes gay romance film was 'definitely disappointing.'

Danny Ramirez was disappointed when Joaquin Phoenix pulled out of their gay romance film at the last minute. Back in August, the Oscar-winning actor pulled out of Todd Haynes's next film just five days before shooting began in Mexico after he reportedly got "cold feet" about the gay romance story.