Pedro Pascal Tipped To Replace Joaquin Phoenix In Steamy Gay Romance

Pedro Pascal may be adding another bold role to his résumé. The 50-year-old actor, best known for "The Last of Us," "The Mandalorian," and Marvel’s "Fantastic Four," is reportedly in talks to replace Joaquin Phoenix in the long-delayed Todd Haynes film "De Noche." The project, described as a gay romance drama set in the 1930s, was originally set to star Phoenix and "Top Gun: Maverick" actor Danny Ramirez as lovers in a relationship filled with passion, turmoil, and “explicit sexual content.”

Phoenix shocked Hollywood in 2023 when he abruptly exited the film just days before cameras were set to roll in Guadalajara, Mexico. Entire sets had already been built, and insiders speculated that the Oscar winner may have grown uneasy with the film’s steamy material, although others pointed out that Phoenix himself had brought the project to Haynes and pushed it into “more dangerous territory, sexually.”

Now, with Pedro Pascal circling the lead role, producers are hoping to get "De Noche" back on track in early 2025, working around the actor’s packed filming calendar. According to Deadline, the filming schedule will reportedly be built around Pascal’s packed calendar, which already includes upcoming work on "The Last of Us Season 2," Marvel’s "Fantastic Four," and Ridley Scott’s "Gladiator II." Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler are producing the film for Killer Films, longtime champions of bold, boundary-pushing cinema.

The casting news comes just months after Pascal and Phoenix shared a now-viral interaction on the Cannes red carpet while promoting their film "Eddington." Cameras captured Pascal gently lowering Phoenix’s arm mid-wave after it appeared the gesture could be mistaken for a Nazi salute.

According to lipreader NJ Hickling, Pascal jokingly told Phoenix, “Argh, don’t do that. You’re affecting the cred. Try and act cool, like you’re about to score, my man.”

Phoenix seemed to catch himself, muttering, “Oh, enough,” before quietly adding under his breath, “Oh my goodness.” The playful moment between the two A-listers sparked memes across social media, cementing Pascal’s reputation as Hollywood’s most effortlessly cool “protector.”

With Pascal attached, "De Noche" looks ready to get its second wind after stalling out last year. Whether or not the actor officially signs on, the rumors alone have reignited interest in the project, which promises to push boundaries with its mix of historical setting, raw intimacy, and Haynes’ fearless storytelling.

While fans are reeling over the possibility of Pedro Pascal stepping into a bold new LGBTQ+ romance role, the casting choice wouldn’t come as a surprise. "The Last of Us" actor has long been vocal about his unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community, both on and off screen.

Pascal, who has been hailed as an ally for years, frequently uses his platform to advocate for equality and visibility. He has proudly supported his transgender sister, Lux Pascal, celebrating her public coming out in 2021 by calling her his “heart” and sharing his love across social media.

On screen, Pascal has also been part of projects that highlight queer representation, from "Game of Thrones"’s sexually fluid Oberyn Martell to his acclaimed turn in "The Last of Us," where themes of love and survival in queer relationships are integral to the story.

His support has extended deeply to his co-stars. Bella Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary, spoke candidly in a profile for Them about how Pascal became a lifeline during filming in more conservative parts of the U.S.

“When we went to the Midwest, I had anxiety about being an openly queer person in states that are quite conservative, but Pedro was there for me,” Ramsey shared. “He is someone I talk to about stuff like that. He’s been so kind and generous and supportive. He’s a real champion of the LGBTQ+ community.”

Ramsey went on to stress that Pascal’s allyship is anything but performative. “Performative allyship is a thing, and he is so the opposite of that," they said. "At his core, advocacy is something that he cares so much about, and he has been so supportive of me in a way that I’m incredibly grateful for.”

Pascal himself echoed that sentiment, telling Them that he identifies as an ally “because it’s morally corrupt to persecute anyone for being their authentic selves, to make anyone feel less than for having the courage to live a truthful life.”

For many fans, the idea of Pascal taking the lead in Todd Haynes’ "De Noche" feels like a natural extension of his career and a testament to his consistent commitment to telling stories that uplift and reflect LGBTQ+ lives.