Pedro Pascal is reportedly in negotiations to step into the lead role in Todd Haynes' upcoming gay romance film, De Noche, potentially replacing Joaquin Phoenix. This news comes after Phoenix's abrupt departure from the project in August 2024, just days before filming was scheduled to commence in Guadalajara, Mexico.

According to reports, Pascal is being considered to play the love interest of Danny Ramirez in the film, which is set in the 1930s. The story revolves around two lovers who flee California for Mexico. The film is said to be rated NC-17 and will feature a relationship that is expected to "challenge" audiences.

Phoenix's exit from De Noche reportedly caused significant disruption, with one of the producers labeling it a "nightmare". Christine Vachon of Killer Films expressed the team's uncertainty about the film's future following Phoenix's departure. She also addressed potential criticism regarding the casting of a straight actor in a gay role, emphasizing that the project was initially brought to them by Phoenix himself.

The sudden halt in production last year led to speculation about substantial financial losses, with reports suggesting that losses could exceed seven figures. Entire sets had already been constructed on location in Guadalajara prior to Phoenix's exit. A source told Variety that the "project is in peril". The crew was out of work, and stakeholders still needed to be paid.

Director Todd Haynes had previously described the film as a love story between two men with explicit sexual content set in the 1930s. One character is Native American, and the other is a corrupt cop in Los Angeles. Haynes noted that Phoenix was eager to push the film "further into more dangerous territory, sexually".

If Pascal joins the cast, production is now expected to begin in early 2026, at the same location in Guadalajara, Mexico.