De Noche (2025) - Todd Haynes Film News & Updates

LOS ANGELES - Christine Vachon, the veteran producer behind Todd Haynes’ upcoming drama “De Noche,” has set off a playful firestorm on the film’s press tour by admitting she has a clear favorite among its two male leads. During a roundtable interview for the project, Vachon joked that she prefers working with Pedro Pascal over his co-star Joaquin Phoenix - a quip that, while delivered in jest, has already become the talk of the industry given the film’s high-profile casting.

“I mean, I love Joaquin, but Pedro brings a certain energy that just clicks with me,” Vachon said with a laugh, careful to add that the comment was made “in the spirit of good fun.” The producer’s remark, which surfaced in a recent podcast appearance, has been widely shared across social media, though she quickly clarified that both actors delivered “extraordinary” performances on set. The playful jab carries extra weight because Phoenix was originally attached to the lead role of Richard Rent before scheduling conflicts forced him to step aside, paving the way for Pascal to step in.

“De Noche” tells the story of Richard Rent, a volatile LAPD officer, and Joe Thomas, a boarding school teacher, who become targets of a corrupt political machine and flee to Mexico. In the humid jungles of the Pacific coast, an unexpected affair unfolds between the two men, forcing them to confront the violence they left behind and the illusions that once defined them. Todd Haynes directs from a script that blends drama, romance, and mystery, with Pascal starring as Rent and Danny Ramirez taking on the role of Thomas.

The project has been shrouded in relative secrecy since it was first announced last year, with Haynes reportedly drawn to the material for its exploration of masculine vulnerability and political paranoia. Pascal, fresh off a string of blockbuster successes, has described the role as “a departure from anything I’ve done,” citing the character’s internal volatility and simmering aggression as a challenge he relished. Ramirez, meanwhile, has been praised in early industry screenings for his nuanced portrayal of a man caught between duty and desire.

Vachon, a longtime collaborator of Haynes who produced his earlier works like “Carol” and “Far from Heaven,” said the chemistry between Pascal and Ramirez was immediate and electric. “They pushed each other in ways that surprised even me,” she noted. The producer’s comment about Phoenix, however, has overshadowed that praise, with some outlets speculating whether there’s lingering tension between the two actors behind the scenes. Neither Phoenix nor his representatives have publicly responded to the remark, and Vachon has since doubled down on her playful stance, insisting it was “a joke among friends.”

The film’s release date has yet to be announced, and its runtime remains undisclosed, adding to the air of anticipation. Early buzz from test screenings, though unofficial, suggests the picture is shaping up to be one of Haynes’ most intimate and provocative works to date. The director is known for his meticulous visual style and emotionally complex narratives, and “De Noche” appears to fit squarely within that tradition, albeit with a more muscular, thriller-adjacent tone than his previous fare.

Behind the scenes, production reportedly faced its share of logistical hurdles, including a demanding shoot in remote Mexican locations that tested the cast and crew’s endurance. Vachon acknowledged those challenges but framed them as integral to the film’s raw, humid aesthetic. “We wanted the audience to feel the sweat and the dread,” she said. “Todd doesn’t make easy films, but that’s why we love working with him.”

As for the Pascal-vs-Phoenix debate, Vachon’s comment has sparked playful comparisons between the two actors’ approaches. She credited Phoenix with bringing “a darker, more brooding intensity” to the character during his early development work, while praising Pascal for his “emotional openness and physicality” in the final cut. Fans of both actors have taken to forums to weigh in, with many joking that the producer’s preference is simply a matter of taste.

“De Noche” is currently in post-production, with no confirmed release window. The film’s TMDb rating stands at 0/10, reflecting its unreleased status. Given Haynes’ track record and the star power attached, expectations are high that the movie will generate significant awards-season chatter once it finally debuts. For now, Vachon’s lighthearted quip has ensured that the project remains in the public conversation - a bit of free publicity that even a veteran producer likely didn’t anticipate when she made the joke. Whether Pascal or Phoenix fans come out on top in the court of public opinion, the real winner appears to be the film itself, which now carries an extra layer of intrigue into its eventual release.

Source: Hollywood Reporter