Pedro Pascal Boards Todd Haynes’ Noir Romance De Noche After Joaquin Phoenix Exit

Todd Haynes’ upcoming film “De Noche” is officially back on track, with Pedro Pascal stepping into the lead role after Joaquin Phoenix exited the project last year.

Pascal will star as a tough, world-weary detective opposite Danny Ramirez, who plays his younger lover. Filming is set to begin next month.

The film is directed by Todd Haynes, known for emotionally rich and socially sharp stories. He co-wrote the screenplay with longtime collaborator Jon Raymond.

Set in 1930s Los Angeles, De Noche is inspired by classic noir films like Chinatown. The story follows a secret and intense love affair between a police officer (Pascal) and a boarding school teacher (Ramirez). As corruption takes over the city and the world edges closer to war, the two men find themselves targeted by powerful political forces. Their only option is to flee to Mexico to survive.

The project is being financed by MK2 Films, which is also handling international sales. U.S. rights are being co-represented by Cinetic Media. Production is led by Killer Films, with producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler.

De Noche marks the first time Pascal has worked with Haynes. The actor continues to balance big studio projects like Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps with smaller, prestige films such as A24’s Materialists and Eddington.

Haynes said the film reflects a troubled era filled with “corruption, racial exploitation and global fear,” adding that the story ultimately celebrates “the power of love and desire to survive against impossible odds.”

MK2 Films managing director Fionnuala Jamison praised Haynes’ emotional connection with audiences, pointing to past films like Carol and Far from Heaven. She confirmed that sales for De Noche will begin at the European Film Market in Berlin.

MK2 Films is also attending the Berlin International Film Festival, where Kornél Mundruczó’s At the Sea, starring Amy Adams, will premiere in competition. The company is coming off a strong awards run with films like Sentimental Value, The Secret Agent and It Was Just an Accident.

With a major star, a bold love story, and Haynes’ signature style, De Noche is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about indie films on the upcoming festival circuit. 🎬✨