After reportedly passing on Doctor Strange it looks as though Joaquin Phoenix has some regrets. But while he’s still letting nothing slip, he has nothing but praise for Marvel Studios.
In an interview with Playboy, the 40-year-old actor was asked about his negotiations for Doctor Strange. But it seems he’s still keeping mum.
“I can’t talk about it”, he explained. “I’ve met on all sorts of movies throughout the years. What seems appealing about some of them is the idea of pushing myself in a way that’s out of my comfort zone.”
Of course, Doctor Strange would certainly fit the bill. After all, Phoenix isn’t exactly one of the usual suspects when it comes to comic book movies – especially of the more supernatural variety.
“But really, it’s what I’m always looking for,” he added. “Good characters, big ideas and a passionate filmmaker. If those things line up with any kind of movie, I have interest in it”.
Obviously, Phoenix was rumoured for the title role in Doctor Strange for some time. And while he apparently passed on the role, it sounds as though it’s really something that would have given him the kind of challenge he craves.
Asked if there are any projects he regretted turning down, Phoenix remained equally vague…
“There’s only one movie I regret saying no to – except the person who ended up doing it was so good and was absolutely meant to do it, so I don’t have any regrets,” he said.
“I’m not going to say which one, but it was a really big hit. It’s getting to the point where they’re making some pretty decent movies. I thought Iron Man was fantastic”
Does this mean that Phoenix has passed on another Marvel property, or does he know who’s been chosen to play Doctor Strange? For now, we’ll have to wait and see. But my money is still on Cumberbatch.
What do you think of Joaquin Phoenix’s comments? Does he know who has landed the Doctor Strange role? Let us know what you think in the comments below…