Joaquin Phoenix Takes a Step Back into Acting with Foot-Fetish Dramedy BIG SHOE

In October 2008, Joaquin Phoenix announced he was retiring from acting to focus on his music (a career move that is chronicled in Casey Affleck’s new documentary I’m Still Here).  However, it looks like Phoenix isn’t really out of the game as THR reports that the actor is and has been circling various projects.  He was at one point in negotiations to play Edgar Allen Poe opposite Jeremy Renner in James McTeigue’s The Raven (a role that ultimately went to John Cusack) and for a role in David Gordon Green’s comedy The Sitter starring Jonah Hill.

However, he is attached to the indie dramedy Big Shoe where he’ll play ” a foot and shoe fetishist who also is an amazing footwear designer.”  The film is directed Steven Shainberg who previously explored festishism in 2002′s Secretary.  However, Big Shoe is still trying to get financing so it’s possible that this could just be the first of multiple projects Phoenix is planning on boarding.  THR says that some are speculating Phoenix is waiting until I’m Still Here is released (which is today) before making a serious return to acting.