Production on director Todd Haynes' highly-anticipated gay romantic drama has hit a major roadblock as its star, Joaquin Phoenix, abruptly exited the project just days before filming was scheduled to begin. The unexpected departure has reportedly left the production in a state of uncertainty, with potential losses reaching seven figures and crew members awaiting payment, according to Variety.

While the film had yet to be titled, it was set to explore a passionate love story between two men in 1930s America. One of the characters was described as a Native American, while the other was a corrupt police officer. Together, they were slated to embark on a journey from Los Angeles to Mexico, fleeing societal constraints and expectations.

The project, which was known to contain explicit sexual content and intended to challenge viewers with its intense and immersive storytelling, had Phoenix at the forefront of its development. Director Todd Haynes revealed that Phoenix had been the driving force behind pushing the boundaries, advocating for a deeper exploration of the film's erotic elements.

Speculation arose among the production crew that the explicit content might have been the reason for Phoenix's sudden departure. However, insiders familiar with the project dismissed this theory, citing Phoenix's previous enthusiasm and advocacy for the challenging material.

The film would have marked Haynes' return to the big screen after his Oscar-nominated "May December" released on Netflix last year. Haynes, known for his critically-acclaimed films with queer themes, including "Poison" (1991), "Velvet Goldmine" (1996), and the award-winning "Carol" (2015), had been eagerly anticipating his collaboration with Phoenix.

Phoenix, who recently appeared in films such as "Napoleon" and "Beau is Afraid," is set to capture audiences' attention once again with his upcoming portrayal in "Joker: Folie à Deux," which is scheduled for a theatrical release in October following its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival. The actor's remarkable performance in the first "Joker" film garnered him an Oscar win, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and acclaimed actor.

As the fallout from Joaquin Phoenix's departure continues to unfold, the fate of Todd Haynes' gay romantic drama remains uncertain. The production team faces significant financial losses, a complex casting challenge, and the disappointment of eager fans who were eagerly anticipating the film's exploration of love and sexuality in a compelling historical backdrop.