AceShowbiz - Producer Christine Vachon is grappling with the aftermath of Joaquin Phoenix's unexpected exit just days before filming Todd Haynes' untitled explicit gay romance movie was set to begin. The unexpected quitting of the Oscar-winning actor has put the future of the film in doubt, leading to widespread confusion and a scramble to re-evaluate the next steps.

Vachon took to Facebook to share her frustrations and to defend the decision to cast Phoenix, who has been in a relationship with Rooney Mara since 2016. According to multiple sources, Vachon's Facebook post, which has been either deleted or set to private, admitted that handling the situation has been nightmarish.

She requested critics to hold off from blaming the production company for casting a straight actor for a gay role, asserting, "And PLEASE - if you are tempted to finger wag or admonish us that 'that's what you get for casting a straight actor' - DON'T."

The "Joker" star's sudden departure came as a shock because Phoenix was deeply involved in the movie's creation. The actor had worked closely with director Todd Haynes to develop the story, which revolves around two men who fall in love and flee to Mexico during the 1930s.

Phoenix's unexpected decision has led to speculations, with sources suggesting that explicit sex scenes might have contributed to his departure despite his initial push for greater graphic depiction of sexuality in the film.

Vachon emphasized that Phoenix was not cast solely by the production company but had approached them with the project. "This was HIS project that he brought to US," she stated, stressing that Killer Films has a solid history of working with LGBTQ actors, crew, and directors. She criticized those who were exacerbating an already difficult situation by casting aspersions on the project's decision-makers.

Further complicating matters, the film's financial structure heavily depended on Phoenix's involvement, making it risky to recast the lead role. No immediate replacement has been sought, and the pre-built sets in Guadalajara, Mexico, now stand unused. Losses could spiral into seven figures according to Variety, and the stakeholders remain uncertain of the film's prospects.

Phoenix, who is expecting his second child with Mara and is soon commencing his press tour for "Joker: Folie a Deux," hasn't commented publicly on his exit. Vachon's comments reflect the broader controversy about whether LGBTQ roles should be reserved for LGBTQ actors, as questions linger if another star would be willing to step into Phoenix's shoes.