Pedro Pascal could also be including one other daring function to his résumé. The 50-year-old actor, greatest recognized for “The Final of Us,” “The Mandalorian,” and Marvel’s “Implausible 4,” is reportedly in talks to switch Joaquin Phoenix within the long-delayed Todd Haynes movie “De Noche.” The undertaking, described as a homosexual romance drama set within the Thirties, was initially set to star Phoenix and “Prime Gun: Maverick” actor Danny Ramirez as lovers in a relationship crammed with ardour, turmoil, and “specific sexual content material.”

Phoenix shocked Hollywood in 2023 when he abruptly exited the movie simply days earlier than cameras have been set to roll in Guadalajara, Mexico. Whole units had already been constructed, and insiders speculated that the Oscar winner might have grown uneasy with the movie’s steamy materials, though others identified that Phoenix himself had introduced the undertaking to Haynes and pushed it into “extra harmful territory, sexually.”

Now, with Pedro Pascal circling the lead function, producers are hoping to get “De Noche” again on monitor in early 2025, working across the actor’s packed filming calendar. In keeping with Deadline, the filming schedule will reportedly be constructed round Pascal’s packed calendar, which already contains upcoming work on “The Final of Us Season 2,” Marvel’s “Implausible 4,” and Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II.” Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler are producing the movie for Killer Movies, longtime champions of daring, boundary-pushing cinema.

The casting information comes simply months after Pascal and Phoenix shared a now-viral interplay on the Cannes crimson carpet whereas selling their movie “Eddington.” Cameras captured Pascal gently reducing Phoenix’s arm mid-wave after it appeared the gesture might be mistaken for a Nazi salute.

In keeping with lipreader NJ Hickling, Pascal jokingly instructed Phoenix, “Argh, don’t try this. You’re affecting the cred. Try to act cool, such as you’re about to attain, my man.”

Phoenix appeared to catch himself, muttering, “Oh, sufficient,” earlier than quietly including underneath his breath, “Oh my goodness.” The playful second between the 2 A-listers sparked memes throughout social media, cementing Pascal’s popularity as Hollywood’s most effortlessly cool “protector.”

With Pascal connected, “De Noche” seems to be able to get its second wind after stalling out final yr. Whether or not or not the actor formally indicators on, the rumors alone have reignited curiosity within the undertaking, which guarantees to push boundaries with its mixture of historic setting, uncooked intimacy, and Haynes’ fearless storytelling.

Whereas followers are reeling over the opportunity of Pedro Pascal stepping right into a daring new LGBTQ+ romance function, the casting alternative wouldn’t come as a shock. “The Final of Us” actor has lengthy been vocal about his unwavering help for the LGBTQ+ group, each on and off display.

Pascal, who has been hailed as an ally for years, ceaselessly makes use of his platform to advocate for equality and visibility. He has proudly supported his transgender sister, Lux Pascal, celebrating her public popping out in 2021 by calling her his “coronary heart” and sharing his love throughout social media.

On display, Pascal has additionally been a part of initiatives that spotlight queer illustration, from “Recreation of Thrones”’s sexually fluid Oberyn Martell to his acclaimed flip in “The Final of Us,” the place themes of affection and survival in queer relationships are integral to the story.

His help has prolonged deeply to his co-stars. Bella Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary, spoke candidly in a profile for Them about how Pascal grew to become a lifeline throughout filming in additional conservative components of the U.S.

“After we went to the Midwest, I had anxiousness about being an overtly queer particular person in states which can be fairly conservative, however Pedro was there for me,” Ramsey shared. “He’s somebody I speak to about stuff like that. He’s been so form and beneficiant and supportive. He’s an actual champion of the LGBTQ+ group.”