Multiple sources indicate that Joaquin Phoenix is in talks for the role of Doctor Strange.
Everyone from Benedict Cumberbatch to Johnny Depp and Jared Leto have been rumored to be linked to Doctor Strange, the latest hero that's gearing up to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Now The Wrap is reporting that "multiple individuals close to the casting process," have said that Joaquin Phoenix is now inching closer to closing a deal with Marvel for the role. With Variety also reporting the early talks, it would indicate that this rumor may have legs.
The actor, who is most commonly know for his collaborations with Paul Thomas Anderson, and his work in other Oscar nominated features like Her and The Gladiator. Phoenix is something of an artistic enigma, always keeping audiences guessing and aiming to subvert expectations with each new role, now it seems that he may be interested in getting into the superhero blockbuster game. Though it's unlikely that Phoenix would sign a long term deal, it's unsurprising that he would join the company of his contemporaries, like Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, and Jermey Renner in the MCU.
This isn't the first time Phoenix has been linked to the genre. His name was floated about for quite some time in reference to playing Lex Luthor in the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Doctor Strange, which is being directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister, Deliver Us From Evil) and written by Jon Spaihts based on a draft by Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer, will be adapted from the comic book that follows a neurosurgeon who becomes Sorcerer Supreme, using magic to protect Earth against magical and mystical threats.
Phoenix will next be seen in Paul Thomas Anderson's Inherent Vice. If a deal is forthcoming, is it possible that it will be announced during the San Diego Comic-Con? We'll be following the news and SDCC both very closely.
When we get confirmation of this casting, we will report it.
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