Joaquin Phoenix Demanded Paul Thomas Anderson Rewrite ‘Napoleon’ Script Before Production

One of the biggest controversies in Hollywood this past week is the news about Joaquin Phoenix abandoning Todd Haynes’ new film just several days before filming was to begin. The project was left in a lurch since no one could replace Phoenix, and therefore, people lost jobs and financiers lost a lot of money. But according to a new report from THR, this isn’t the first time in recent history that Phoenix has threatened to leave a job right before filming. 

READ MORE: Producer Calls Joaquin Phoenix/Todd Haynes Situation A “Nightmare” & Defends Casting A Straight Man For A Gay Role

According to the report, Joaquin Phoenix seemingly had cold feet before production began on Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon.” Apparently, the actor had script concerns and demanded that Paul Thomas Anderson be brought in to do rewrites on the script. (Phoenix and Anderson previously worked on “The Master” together, which earned the actor an Oscar nomination.) The report claims that folks involved with “Napoleon” placated the actor and he agreed to stay on board. 

As an interesting aside, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard about PTA doing uncredited work on major films. There was also the report that Anderson worked on Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

For those unfamiliar with the original situation, Todd Haynes was set to direct a 1930s-set gay romance/detective film with Phoenix in the lead. A producer working on the film said that Joaquin Phoenix was the person who approached Haynes with the idea for the film and worked with the filmmaker on the script. Perhaps adding to Phoenix’s hesitation was the fact that this film was said to have fairly graphic sex scenes. The film brought in “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Danny Ramirez to co-star. 

Unfortunately, without Phoenix involved—especially since this was his project to begin with—Haynes’ film fell apart. But that was not before sets were built and costumes designed and whatnot. 

The report also claims that while producers have discussed the possibility of “blackballing” Phoenix, that nothing will ultimately happen to his career, as “Joker 2” will make him one of the biggest names in Hollywood yet again.