Lewis Pullman, who will soon star in Marvel’s “Thunderbolts.” tells Variety that he would love to replace Joaquin Phoenix in the now-shelved Todd Haynes ‘30s gay romance movie.
I would love to get that call […] It’s a brilliant idea. I’m here. I’m here. I’m ready.
Phoenix and Danny Ramirez were supposed to star in Haynes’ film, but then Phoenix bailed on the entire production, five days before filming was set to begin. There’s been no movement on the project since then, and by all accounts, it looks like it’s now dead.
So it happens, Pullman co-starred with Ramirez in “Top Gun: Maverick,” and according to the actor, Ramirez helped him get into character for his recent turn in the “Salem’s Lot” remake. So, there’s definitely a dynamic between the two actors that could translate into strong screen chemistry.
With that said, I doubt Pullman will be a big enough name to lure Haynes’ investors to resurrect the project. There’s also still the possibility of Phoenix getting sued for his sudden exit as he has yet to pay back the millions of dollars in damages that he has caused in leaving the project.