Pedro Pascal Nears Lead Role as Todd Haynes’ ‘De Noche’ Plans Mexico Restart

Todd Haynes' long-anticipated gay romance film 'De Noche,' which collapsed in 2024 after Joaquin Phoenix abruptly exited the lead role just before filming, is now being revived with Pedro Pascal in talks to star. The film, set in 1930s Los Angeles and Mexico, will feature Pascal alongside Danny Ramirez as a corrupt cop and his younger lover fleeing to Mexico. Production is planned to restart in early 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico, with scheduling coordinated around Pascal's busy projects, including his Emmy-nominated work on HBO's 'The Last of Us' and recent film roles. Producer Christine Vachon, who has a longstanding relationship with Haynes, described the original shutdown as a tragedy for queer cinema, highlighting the significance of the revival. Killer Films, known for LGBTQ-focused projects, is producing, bringing renewed artistic and cultural anticipation to the film. Pascal's involvement infuses fresh hope into a project considered dead after Phoenix's departure, promising a compelling addition to queer storytelling on screen.