M. Night Shyamalan’s acclaimed 2016 thriller, Split, was initially set to feature Joaquin Phoenix in the leading role; however, the actor unexpectedly withdrew just two weeks prior to the start of filming. James McAvoy, who ultimately took on the role, shed light on this surprising change during a recent interview.
In a discussion on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, McAvoy praised Phoenix as an "amazing actor," suggesting that his portrayal would have been markedly different. Split centers around a man, played by McAvoy, who embodies 23 distinct personalities, making meticulous preparation essential for such a complex role. Interestingly, McAvoy revealed that stepping in at the last moment actually relieved him from the burden of over-preparation.
"I think he’d give a very different performance to the one I did. But I think he’d give an incredible performance. Sometimes coming in last minute is the best way," McAvoy stated. He noted that Phoenix decided to exit just two weeks before shooting commenced, allowing McAvoy a tight two-week window for preparation.
Despite the time constraints, McAvoy found the Split script to be exceptionally well-crafted, enabling him to grasp his character’s essence without significant hurdles. He acknowledged that while a few personalities took longer to develop, the overall process progressed smoothly.
Interestingly, this is not the first instance of Phoenix stepping back from a film shortly before filming. Recently, he also exited a Todd Haynes romance project just five days before production was set to begin, potentially incurring a seven-figure penalty due to the substantial commitments already made.
Currently, McAvoy can be seen in the horror film Speak No Evil, now in theaters. Phoenix’s highly anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, is slated for release in October.
In related news, McAvoy also shared insights about his near-involvement in the Harry Potter film franchise, revealing that he had auditioned for a role but ultimately decided to pass.
