Is the Doctor finally in?
The Wrap is reporting that three-time Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix is in talks to star in Marvel Studios' upcoming film, Doctor Strange. Citing "multiple individuals close to the casting process," the article states that Phoenix is under consideration for the Scott Derrickson film, but The Hollywood Reporter claims that negotiations are farther along than just the offer stage.
The 39-year-old actor received Oscar nominations for his roles as Commodus in the 2000 film Gladiator, Johnny Cash in 2005's Walk the Line and Freddie Quill in 2012's The Master. In addition, Phoenix has appeared in the films Her, Hotel Rwanda, The Village, Ladder 49 and Signs. Previously, he was sought for the role of Lex Luthor in Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice before the role ultimately went to Jesse Eisenberg.
Just last month, Jared Leto was rumored for the role of Dr. Stephen Strange and back in June, The Dark Knight Rises' Tom Hardy and Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch were reportedly under consideration by Marvel but supposedly had scheduling conflicts. One month earlier, Justin Theroux was named as being in the running.
Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Doctor Strange debuted in 1963's Strange Tales #110. Dr. Stephen Strange began as an arrogant and egotistical neurosurgeon that suffers permanent damage to his hands as a result of a car accident. He searches around the world for a way to repair his hands, ultimately coming across a master sorcerer known as The Ancient One in the Himalayas. When Strange learns that Baron Mordo, the Ancient One's disciple, intends on killing his master, the Ancient One agrees to teach Strange the mystic arts after Mordo is defeated.
Doctor Strange is scheduled for release in theaters on July 8, 2016.