Todd Haynes‘ passion project De Noche is officially back from the dead. After Joaquin Phoenix‘s stunning departure nearly derailed the film last year, Pedro Pascal has stepped in to save the day, bringing new life to the acclaimed director’s 1930s gay romance.
The news broke Tuesday (February 3, 2026) that Pascal will star opposite Danny Ramirez in the boundary-pushing drama, which begins shooting next month. French indie powerhouse MK2 Films has secured financing for the project, handling international sales alongside domestic partner Cinetic Media.
“This story, with Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez in the two leads, arises out of an era — all too relevant to our own — of domestic corruption, racial exploitation and global terror,” Haynes stated. He added, “But it emerges as a testament to the inexplicable powers of desire and love to survive and overcome even the most crippling of human barriers.”
The announcement marks a dramatic turnaround for De Noche, which collapsed in August 2024 when Joaquin Phoenix withdrew just five days before cameras were scheduled to roll in Guadalajara, Mexico. At the time, producer Christine Vachon described the situation bluntly on Facebook: “It has been a nightmare.”
Pascal will portray a hard-boiled detective who falls into a forbidden romance with a boarding school teacher, played by Ramirez. Set against the backdrop of corrupt 1930s Los Angeles, the NC-17-rated film echoes classic noir like “Chinatown” while exploring an intense same-sex relationship during an era of political upheaval.
The project originated with Phoenix, who developed the screenplay alongside Haynes and longtime collaborator Jon Raymond. Despite his creative investment, the Oscar winner reportedly got “cold feet” over the film’s explicit content, leaving cast and crew devastated.
Pascal’s involvement represents a major coup for the production. The Mandalorian star enjoyed a banner 2025 with roles in Celine Song’s Materialists, Ari Aster’s Eddington, and Marvel’s Fantastic Four: The First Steps.
MK2 Films’ managing director Fionnuala Jamison praised the collaboration, saying, “Few filmmakers connect with audiences as strongly as Todd Haynes.” She noted that films “such as Carol and Far from Heaven have left a lasting emotional impact worldwide.”
Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler are producing through their Killer Films banner. Cinematographer Maryse Alberti, who previously worked with Haynes on Velvet Goldmine and Poison, will shoot the film.
The production marks Pascal’s first collaboration with Todd Haynes, pairing the in-demand actor with one of independent cinema’s most visionary directors.
