BOMBSHELL: The Real Reason Joaquin Phoenix Walked Away from M. Night Shyamalan's Split, Weeks Before Filming Began and How James McAvoy Suddenly Took His Place

In a stunning revelation, a shocking behind-the-scenes secret has been unearthed surrounding M. Night Shyamalan's 2016 psychological horror-thriller, Split. The movie, which went on to receive widespread critical acclaim, was initially set to star the talented Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role. However, in a move that left many in the industry stunned, Phoenix 'ditched' the film just weeks before principal photography was set to begin.

According to James McAvoy, who ultimately took over the coveted role, Phoenix had been fully committed to the project, with many assuming he was the perfect fit to bring the complex and terrifying character of Kevin Wendell Crumb to life. In fact, news of Phoenix's casting had been met with a great deal of excitement among fans, who were eager to see the versatile actor take on a role unlike any he had ever portrayed before.

Unfortunately, it appears that Phoenix had a change of heart, and for reasons that remain unclear, he suddenly and unexpectedly 'ditched' the film. This unexpected turn of events left the movie's production team reeling, with many questioning whether the project would be able to move forward on schedule.

Enter James McAvoy, a talented young actor who had previously demonstrated his impressive range in a variety of film roles. McAvoy, who had been in talks for the part prior to Phoenix's involvement, was quickly brought back into the fold, and with just two weeks to prepare, he embarked on the daunting task of bringing Kevin Wendell Crumb to life.

Despite the incredibly tight turnaround, McAvoy proved to be more than up to the challenge. His mesmerizing performance as the film's protagonist earned him widespread critical acclaim, with many praising his ability to bring depth and nuance to a character that could have easily devolved into a caricature of madness.

The success of Split not only served as a testament to McAvoy's talent and adaptability but also solidified him as a bankable Hollywood star. Meanwhile, Shyamalan's reputation as a master of the psychological thriller genre continued to grow, thanks in large part to the film's clever plot twists and McAvoy's unforgettable performance.

As for Joaquin Phoenix, the enigmatic actor has continued to take on a wide range of challenging roles, ultimately earning an Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in Todd Phillips' 2019 origin story. While the reasons behind his departure from Split may never be fully understood, one thing is certain – the film ultimately benefited from the unexpected shake-up, and audiences were treated to a mesmerizing performance from James McAvoy that has become an instant classic in the world of horror cinema.