Todd Haynes Confirms ‘De Noche’ Starring Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez Will Be R-Rated

Few upcoming films have faced as many challenges as Todd Haynes’ 1930s gay romance. The project lost its original star just days before filming was set to begin, disappeared into limbo for over a year, and then was revived with one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors.

Now that the film is in post-production, a new detail is shaping audience expectations.

Originally, ‘De Noche’ was set to feature Joaquin Phoenix alongside Danny Ramirez. However, Phoenix exited the project in August 2024, just five days before filming was scheduled to start in Guadalajara, Mexico, after years of collaboration with Haynes and co-writer Jon Raymond.

Phoenix has not publicly explained his departure. The film was revived in August 2025 when Pedro Pascal was reported to be in talks for the lead role, which was confirmed in February 2026 with French company MK2 Films providing financing.

Haynes has now announced that ‘De Noche’ will be rated R. He describes it as a complex and moving love story that explores themes of masculinity and vulnerability.

This news contrasts with earlier statements, as Haynes had previously indicated that the film would be NC-17, describing it in a 2023 interview as a love story between two men in the 1930s featuring explicit sexual content. Reports suggest that Phoenix encouraged Haynes to push the boundaries of the film’s sexual themes during development.

An R rating implies that the final film may tone down some of the explicit material, though it remains targeted at an adult audience. The reasons for this change have not been elaborated upon.

The official synopsis reveals a passionate and unexpected love affair between a cop and a boarding school teacher set against the backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles, a city rife with corruption as the world edges toward war. The two men become targets of the corrupt political system and are forced to flee to Mexico.

Pascal portrays the detective, Richard Rent, while Ramirez plays the teacher, Joe Thomas. The narrative draws inspiration from classic noir films like ‘Chinatown’.

Haynes has expressed that the story emerges from an era he views as highly relevant today. He told Variety that it reflects a time of “domestic corruption, racial exploitation and global terror,” ultimately highlighting the resilience of desire and love.

This thematic exploration aligns with Haynes’ previous works, including ‘Carol’ and ‘Far from Heaven’. His last feature, ‘May December’, received an Oscar nomination for best screenplay.

‘De Noche’ marks Pascal’s first collaboration with Haynes and is also the third time he and Ramirez share the screen, following ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 and ‘Avengers: Doomsday’.

Produced by Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler through Killer Films, Vachon has praised both lead performances as groundbreaking, stating that Pascal was born for this role.

Production commenced in March, with set photos showcasing Pascal in period attire, including a vintage suit and fedora, while filming in Mexico City. The project had shifted from Guadalajara to its new location.

MK2 Films is managing international sales, while Cinetic Media co-represents domestic rights. A release date has yet to be announced.

Some industry insiders speculate a premiere in 2027, with Cannes being a potential venue, although this remains unconfirmed until the studio makes an official announcement.

Pascal has a busy schedule ahead, reprising his role as Reed Richards in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, set to release on December 18, and appearing in ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’. He also collaborated on Tony Gilroy’s ‘Behemoth!’.

Despite this, ‘De Noche’ stands out as a bold choice for a star known for blockbuster franchises, reuniting him with a celebrated director of queer cinema in a narrative centered on desire and danger.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!