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

Producer Christine Vachon, a longtime collaborator of director Todd Haynes, has lightheartedly confessed a preference for Pedro Pascal over Joaquin Phoenix when it comes to the filmmaker’s upcoming project. Speaking about the yet-to-be-released drama De Noche, Vachon joked that Pascal, who leads the cast, has edged out Phoenix in her personal ranking of Haynes’ leading men - though she was quick to frame the comment as playful banter rather than a serious critique of either actor’s work.

The film, which marks another collaboration between Haynes and Vachon, centers on a volatile LAPD officer named Richard Rent, played by Pascal, and a boarding school teacher, Joe Thomas, portrayed by Danny Ramirez. According to the official synopsis, the two men become targets of a corrupt political machine in Los Angeles and are forced to flee south to Mexico. What begins as a desperate escape evolves into an unexpected romance in the humid jungles of the Pacific coast, where passion gives way to reckoning. The story follows both characters as they confront the violence they left behind and the illusions that once defined their identities.

Vachon’s comment, made during a recent industry conversation, drew laughs but also highlighted the anticipation surrounding De Noche, which has generated curiosity due to its blend of drama, romance, and mystery. Haynes, known for stylistically ambitious and emotionally complex films, has not yet announced a release date, and the runtime remains undisclosed. The project has nonetheless attracted attention for its cast, with Pascal continuing his ascent as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors following his work in television and major franchises, and Ramirez gaining recognition for his performances in both independent and blockbuster fare.

The producer’s remark about Phoenix is notable given the actor’s history with Haynes. Phoenix starred in the director’s 2018 period piece The Sisters Brothers? Actually, no - Phoenix’s more direct collaboration with Haynes came with the 1998 film Velvet Goldmine, though that project featured Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Ewan McGregor in leading roles. Phoenix did, however, work with Haynes on the 1992 independent feature Poison, which helped launch both careers. More recently, Phoenix and Haynes were attached to a potential project that never came to fruition, which may explain why Vachon felt comfortable teasing the comparison.

The joke also underscores Vachon’s reputation for candor. As one of the most prolific producers in American independent cinema, she has shepherded numerous acclaimed films through her company Killer Films, including many of Haynes’ most celebrated works. Her relationship with the director spans decades, and her willingness to poke fun at the casting choices reflects the ease of their professional partnership. For fans, the comment adds a layer of personality to the otherwise guarded promotion of De Noche, which has remained largely under wraps despite its high-profile attachment.

Plot details remain sparse beyond the official logline, but the setup suggests a taut thriller with emotional heft. The decision to set much of the story in Mexico’s Pacific jungles marks a departure from Haynes’ frequent urban or suburban backdrops, and the romantic thread introduces a tenderness that could offset the grim political conspiracy at the story’s core. Pascal’s character, Richard Rent, is described as volatile, hinting at a performance that may leverage the actor’s capacity for intensity, while Ramirez’s Joe Thomas offers a quieter counterpoint as an educator thrust into extreme circumstances.

The mystery genre label adds further intrigue, hinting that the narrative may involve secrets or revelations beyond the central chase. Whether the film leans into noir conventions or subverts them remains to be seen, but Haynes’ track record suggests a layered approach to character and setting. Vachon’s involvement all but guarantees a level of creative risk-taking, as she has consistently backed projects that prioritize auteurship over commercial safety.

As of now, De Noche has no scheduled release window, and the TMDb rating stands at zero, reflecting that it has not yet been screened publicly. Industry insiders expect the project to generate significant festival buzz once it premieres, given the combined pull of Haynes, Vachon, and the cast. For the time being, the playful jab at Phoenix’s expense offers a rare glimpse of levity from a team known for its serious artistic ambitions - and a reminder that even seasoned producers can’t resist a little friendly rivalry among stars.

The film’s ultimate impact will rest on its execution, but the early buzz, fueled by Vachon’s remarks and the intriguing premise, positions De Noche as one to watch. Whether audiences will share her preference for Pascal remains an open question, but the conversation has certainly started.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter