Although Joaquin Pheonix has been repeatedly linked to the role of Doctor Strange it looks as though Marvel was unable to cast a spell on the stubborn actor… and now he’s quit talks for the upcoming role.
According to Deadline Hollywood, it’s all over for Phoenix after dragging out the process a bit too long.
“Marvel Studios‘ talks with Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix to play Doctor Strange are kaput,” they said. “He never had a deal, but Marvel already is getting into it with other actors to play that superhero in a free-standing film.”
The subject of who will don the mystical cape remains a mystery… but what exactly happened with Joaquin Phoenix?
“I understand Marvel’s belief that Phoenix would have been great for that role,” said Deadline. “[But] I’m not sure Phoenix is a Comic-Con kind of guy.”
Of course, despite the fans really rallying behind Phoenix for the role of Doctor Strange they do have a point. He’s not exactly the kind of guy I could imagine strolling out into Hall-H… and perhaps that’s why Phoenix was dragging his feet when it came to signing on the dotted line.
But who will step up into the coveted role?
“Don’t believe these talks that Boyhood‘s Ethan Hawke has made a deal to play the character,” they said. “I’m told reliably that that is speculation run wild.”
Obviously, that hasn’t stopped people asking him about it… and back in July, Hawke admitted that he’d love to get back on screen with director Scott Derrickson. But does he really stand a chance?
“Before Marvel started talking with [Phoenix], the major names in the mix included The Drop‘s Tom Hardy, The Imitation Game’s Benedict Cumberbatch and Dallas Buyers Club‘s Jared Leto, among others.”
For now, it looks as though we’re back to square one. So let the speculation begin. Again.
Who do you think eventually end up as Doctor Strange? Would Joaquin Phoenix have been perfect for the role? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
