In 1993, River Phoenix was filming a movie called “Dark Blood.” But 11 days before filming wrapped on the movie Phoenix died of a drug-induced heart attack outside of the Viper Club in Los Angeles. Director George Sluizer announced today he plans on completing the movie 18 years after the actor’s death.
Sluizer said that after Phoenix died he hid all of the “Dark Blood” footage fearing that it would get destroyed. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Sluizer has re-edited the film and, with a few creative adjustments, he believes that “Dark Blood” can be completed this year.
Sluizer says that he plans on asking River Phoenix’s brother, Joaquin Phoenix , to tie the movie together with a voice over.
Sluiser told THR:
“The voices of both brothers are very much alike.”
The Guardian reports that Phoenix played a hermit living on a nuclear test site named Boy. Boy, who is convinced that the world is going to end, starts a relationship with a married woman played by Judy Davis. The movie also stars Jonathan Pryce, who plays Davis’ husband.
When River Phoenix died at the age of 23, he was at the beginning of an extremely promising career. He earned critical praise for his roles in Rob Reiner’s “Stand by Me” and Gus van Sant’s “My Own Private Idaho.” He was also nominated for an Oscar in 1998 for his role in “Running on Empty.”
Are you excited for “Dark Blood?” Do you think Joaquin Phoenix will step into his late brother’s shoes to play Boy? Do you want to see River Phoenix back on the big screen?
