Todd Haynes’s upcoming queer romance De Noche is finally back on track, and the latest update is a major one. The film was abruptly paused after Joaquin Phoenix exited just weeks before filming was set to begin, sparking fears it might be shelved altogether. Reports of Pedro Pascal joining the cast briefly made headlines before going quiet, further fueling uncertainty. Now, the wait is over, with The Last of Us star officially confirmed to be on board.
The upcoming movie marks Pascal’s first time working with Haynes. In the film, Pascal plays a tough detective opposite Danny Ramirez as his young lover. The film has a noir mood, inspired by old mystery movies like Chinatown, and the cameras are set to roll next month.
De Noche Gets A Fresh Start
With Pedro Pascal On Board
Speaking with Variety about De Noche’s revival, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker said, “This story, with Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez in the two leads, arises out of an era, all too relevant to our own, of domestic corruption, racial exploitation and global terror. But it emerges as a testament to the inexplicable powers of desire and love to survive and overcome even the most crippling of human barriers.”
Fionnuala Jamison of MK2 Films said she believes Todd Haynes has a rare ability to connect with audiences, noting that his earlier works, such as Carol and Far from Heaven, continue to resonate with cinephiles worldwide. She added that De Noche carries the same emotional pull. Jamison also praised the team behind the film and its cast, singling out Pedro Pascal, and described the project as special, saying MK2 is proud to support it and present it to global buyers.
What Is De Noche About?
Todd Haynes wrote the script for De Noche with his longtime writing partner, Jon Raymond. The film is set in 1930s Los Angeles, “when the city is overtaken by corruption and the world is on the brink of war.” The story follows a police officer, played by Pedro Pascal, who falls in love with a boarding school teacher, played by Danny Ramirez. Their bond grows in an unexpected way as the city around them becomes more dangerous. As corruption spreads, powerful people turn against them. With no safe place left, the two men are forced to leave everything behind and escape to Mexico.
