Joaquin Phoenix is set to sign on for his first "post-retirement" role. The Oscar-nominated actor hasn't been seen on screen since the Casey Affleck helmed I'm Still Here, which documented his supposed retirement from the film industry, a film Phoenix later admitted was a hoax - and took in a mere $700,000 worldwide. He is now in talks to team up with PT Anderson, claims Variety, in his next as-yet-untitled project. The project, known only as a 'religious drama' at this point, centres on Philip Seymour Hoffman's character of Lancaster Dodd, a charismatic figure in a religion which closely mirrors Scientology. Phoenix would play Freddie Sutton, an alcoholic seeking guidance who soon becomes ensconced in the organisation, only to soon question its authority over him. Anderson is directing a script written by him. Tom Cruise and John Travolta are also in talks to star. Ha, just kidding.
-John Balfe