Pedro Pascal’s Bold New Role: A Game-Changing Performance in Todd Haynes’ NC-17 Gay Romance

Hollywood has been buzzing with anticipation ever since news broke that Pedro Pascal is circling the lead role in Todd Haynes’ provocative gay romance film, De Noche. This 1930s-set drama, which promises to push boundaries with its NC-17 rating, marks a significant moment in Pascal’s already illustrious career. After a whirlwind year of starring in major projects like The Last of Us, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Materialists, Pascal is poised to take on a role that could redefine his legacy as one of the most versatile actors of his generation. With rumors swirling about his rumored $2,000,000 donation to the LGBT+ community, this role feels like a natural fit, sparking curiosity about how Pascal will bring his signature intensity and charm to this daring project.

The film, initially set to star Joaquin Phoenix, faced a dramatic setback when Phoenix abruptly exited just days before filming was scheduled to begin in Guadalajara, Mexico, in August 2024. Sources close to the production suggest Phoenix, who had been deeply involved in developing the script alongside Haynes and writer Jon Raymond, got “cold feet” over the film’s explicit content. According to a 2023 interview with IndieWire, Haynes revealed Phoenix’s bold vision for the project, stating, “Joaquin was pushing me further and going, ‘No, let’s go further.’ This will be an NC-17 film.” Despite Phoenix’s initial enthusiasm for the film’s boundary-pushing sex scenes, his sudden departure left the production in limbo, with producer Christine Vachon calling it a “tragedy” at the San Sebastian Film Festival in 2024. “The most tragic part about it, in my mind, is Todd Haynes is 62,” Vachon said. “The idea that his time was wasted and that a movie is not a result of those years of working closely with Joaquin, that is the tragedy to me and that I can’t get over.”

Enter Pedro Pascal, whose rumored involvement has breathed new life into De Noche. The film, now slated to begin production in January 2026, follows two men—a corrupt cop and his younger lover, played by Danny Ramirez—who flee 1930s Los Angeles for Mexico in a passionate and clandestine romance. Pascal’s potential casting opposite Ramirez, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Captain America: Brave New World, has generated excitement for the emotional and physical chemistry they could bring to the screen. Haynes, celebrated for his nuanced portrayals of queer stories in films like Carol and Far From Heaven, is known for crafting visually stunning and emotionally resonant narratives. With De Noche, he aims to explore the raw intensity of a forbidden love story set against the backdrop of a repressive era, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s conversations about representation and visibility.

Pascal’s suitability for the role stems not only from his acting prowess but also from his willingness to embrace challenging and diverse characters. Unlike Phoenix, whose departure sparked debates about casting non-queer actors in queer roles, Pascal has a history of portraying queer characters with authenticity and sensitivity. His performance in the short film Strange Way of Life alongside Ethan Hawke, a queer Western described as a response to Brokeback Mountain, showcased his ability to convey complex emotions in a romantic context. In a 2023 interview with Out, Pascal reflected on the role, saying, “It was an honor to bring that story to life, to show love in a way that feels real and human.” His comfort with bold, intimate scenes and his ability to channel vulnerability and charisma make him an ideal candidate for De Noche’s demanding lead role.

The buzz around Pascal’s involvement is amplified by unconfirmed reports of his substantial support for the LGBT+ community. Whispers of a $2,000,000 donation have circulated on social media and fan forums, though no official confirmation has been made. Whether true or not, these rumors have endeared Pascal to fans who see him as an ally willing to back his advocacy with action. This narrative aligns perfectly with De Noche, a film that promises to be a landmark in queer cinema. Haynes’ vision for the project, as described in a 2024 Variety interview, is to create a story that is “not just a romance, but a testament to visibility and the evolving representation of queer history in mainstream cinema.” Pascal’s potential involvement sends a powerful message: queer stories deserve to be told with elegance, depth, and unapologetic boldness.

The film’s NC-17 rating has also sparked curiosity, with early reports suggesting it will feature graphic sex scenes that push the boundaries of mainstream cinema. Haynes has never shied away from depicting intimacy with authenticity, and De Noche is expected to be no exception. For Pascal, this presents an opportunity to deliver a performance that is both emotionally raw and physically daring. His recent roles have demonstrated his range, from the stoic heroism of The Mandalorian to the introspective depth of The Last of Us. In De Noche, he has the chance to blend these qualities, portraying a character torn between desire and the societal constraints of the 1930s. As one Reddit user on the Letterboxd subreddit commented, “Pascal’s got the charisma and the emotional depth to make this role iconic. If anyone can pull off a Todd Haynes NC-17 romance, it’s him.”

The revival of De Noche also highlights the resilience of Haynes and his team at Killer Films. After Phoenix’s exit, the project faced significant hurdles, including financial setbacks due to international distributors banking on Phoenix’s star power. Producer Christine Vachon, who has collaborated with Haynes on classics like Poison and Velvet Goldmine, expressed her frustration at the San Sebastian Film Festival, saying, “We, as a cultural community, lost an opportunity to have another movie by Todd Haynes.” Pascal’s involvement, however, has rekindled hope, with plans to work around his packed schedule to ensure the film comes to life. His recent collaboration with Vachon on A24’s Materialists, which grossed $85 million worldwide, underscores his bankability and reliability as a leading man.

For fans, the anticipation is palpable. Social media platforms like Facebook are already abuzz with discussions about Pascal’s potential casting, with many praising his fearless approach to complex roles. The film’s 1930s setting, combined with Haynes’ signature aesthetic of lush visuals and emotional intensity, promises a cinematic experience that is both provocative and poignant. As one Pink News article noted, “De Noche represents more than a period drama; it’s a testament to visibility and the evolving representation of queer history in mainstream cinema.” For Pascal, this could be a career-defining moment, potentially earning him his first Oscar nomination, as speculated by Vulture.

As the entertainment world awaits confirmation of Pascal’s casting, De Noche is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of 2026. Its bold exploration of love, desire, and societal repression, coupled with Pascal’s magnetic presence, positions it as a must-watch for audiences seeking stories that challenge conventions. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Pascal or simply intrigued by the promise of a groundbreaking queer romance, De Noche is a film that demands attention. Keep an eye on this project as it heads toward production, and join the conversation online to share your thoughts on what could be Pedro Pascal’s most daring and unforgettable role yet.