3 Minutes
Pascal Replaces Phoenix in Todd Haynes' New Romantic Drama
Pedro Pascal has been tapped to headline De Noche, the much-discussed romantic drama from director Todd Haynes. The film was recently revived and reconfigured after Joaquin Phoenix—originally attached to the lead—left the project just five days before filming was due to begin. Pascal will play a hardened detective who finds himself in an unexpected, passionate relationship with a younger boarding-school teacher, portrayed by Dani Ramírez. Set against the moody backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles, De Noche promises a blend of noir atmosphere and intimate romance.
What to Expect: Tone, Setting and Creative Team
Haynes is directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with John Raymond, marking his first feature after May December, which earned critical praise and a 2024 Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. De Noche appears to continue Haynes' interest in complicated love stories and period detail—this time filtering those themes through a detective-romance prism. The era and the city suggest a visual palette of smoky clubs, rain-slick streets, and a Los Angeles at once glamorous and morally ambiguous.
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Comparisons and Context
If you enjoyed the emotional precision of May December or the formal period craft of Carol, De Noche may sit comfortably nearby on your watchlist. The film also echoes recent trends in cinema that blend classic film-noir aesthetics with modern explorations of identity and desire—think of recent period romances that foreground queer narratives or morally ambiguous protagonists.
Behind the Scenes and Industry Notes
Phoenix’s last-minute exit sparked speculation about the film’s future, but Pascal’s attachment has reignited momentum. With principal photography slated to begin next month, the production appears back on track—though an official release date has not been announced. Casting changes like this are common in film industry realities: schedules, creative differences, and logistical issues often force high-profile swaps, yet they can also shift a film’s tone based on new chemistry between leads.
Haynes’ affinity for the small, explosive moments in relationships makes De Noche a title to watch for cinephiles who follow modern romantic dramas and director-driven period pieces. Expect a film that leans into atmosphere, moral complexity, and the electric risk of forbidden desire in a bygone L.A.
Concluding note: With Pascal’s star power and Haynes’ steady directorial eye, De Noche has the ingredients to be both a festival favorite and a thoughtful addition to today’s conversation about love, identity, and cinematic style.
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