Todd Haynes’ upcoming film De Noche has found its lead actor with Pedro Pascal stepping in as a hard-boiled detective, following Joaquin Phoenix’s departure last year. The film, described as a subversive love story, pairs Pascal opposite Danny Ramirez, who will portray his younger lover. Production is scheduled to begin next month.
Produced by Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler of Killer Films, the project is backed by MK2 Films, a French independent production and sales company known for supporting notable works such as Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent. MK2 is financing the film and managing international sales, while partnering domestically with Cinetic Media.
Plot and Screenplay Draw Inspiration from Classic Noir
Co-written by Haynes and longtime collaborator Jon Raymond, the screenplay of De Noche is set in 1930s Los Angeles. It follows the passionate yet dangerous relationship between the detective played by Pedro Pascal and a boarding school teacher portrayed by Danny Ramirez. As the city succumbs to deep corruption amid global tensions on the verge of war, the two men find themselves targeted by political forces and ultimately forced to flee to Mexico.
This narrative evokes the spirit of classic noir films like Chinatown, blending themes of betrayal, political darkness, and forbidden love in a fraught historical moment.
Pedro Pascal’s Diverse Career Meets Todd Haynes’ Vision
This will be Pedro Pascal’s first collaboration with Todd Haynes, who has earned acclaim for films such as May December, which received an Oscar nomination for best screenplay. Pascal, known for balancing major studio projects like Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps with critically praised independent films like A24’s Materialists and Eddington, brings significant range to the role.
Todd Haynes Highlights Themes of Corruption and Resilience
Todd Haynes commented on the story’s relevance, stating,
“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.”
He further added,
“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.”
MK2 Films Champions ‘De Noche’ at European Film Market
Fionnuala Jamison, managing director of MK2 Films, emphasized the unique connection Haynes establishes with audiences, saying,
“Few filmmakers connect with audiences as strongly as Todd Haynes.”
Jamison added,
“Such as ‘Carol’ and ‘Far from Heaven’ have left a lasting emotional impact worldwide. ‘De Noche’ carries that same power, and with Killer Films and a remarkable cast led by Pedro Pascal, it is a stand-out project we are proud to be a part of and share with buyers.”
Production Partners and Financing Details
Besides MK2 Films and Killer Films, De Noche is being produced by Paloma Negra Films along with Jonathan Montepare and Steven Demmler. Cinetic Media is involved in both domestic representation and production. Financing is supported by IPR.VC, continuing its ongoing partnership with MK2, as well as with multiple other companies including Yggdrasil, Léger Production, Mid March, Pluto, and Leaf Entertainment.
MK2’s Ongoing Festival Presence and Recent Successes
MK2 Films will also present Kornél Mundruczó’s At the Sea, starring Oscar-nominee Amy Adams, at the Berlinale, where it will premiere in competition. The company recently rode a wave of critical acclaim and awards, securing three Golden Globes and seven European Film Awards, alongside numerous Oscar and BAFTA nominations for films like Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent, and Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident.
Significance of ‘De Noche’ in Today’s Landscape
De Noche arrives as a timely work exploring themes of political corruption and the defiant power of love, reflecting urgent societal issues through a historical lens. With Pedro Pascal leading the cast under Todd Haynes’ direction, the film promises to blend gripping noir storytelling with emotional depth, offering resonance well beyond its period setting. As production begins and the film prepares to enter the global marketplace, expectations are high for its critical and cultural impact.
