About a month ago, word emerged that Joaquin Phoenix was being discussed around the Marvel office for the role of Doctor Strange. He’s was seen buying "Doctor Strange" comics, and the trades said he was being "mentioned most often" for the part. But chatter doesn’t always equal signed contracts, and wish list desires don’t always work out. But maybe they will in this case.
According to Collider, Phoenix is in final talks for the lead role in "Doctor Strange," with the final details of his deal essentially just being worked out before he signs on. And that recent talk about Jack Huston being in the mix? Well, that’s apparently untrue. That said, as with all rumors around Marvel projects, nothing is official until they say it is. And Latino Review is already pouring a bit of water on this report, saying that the actor still has the potential to bail. So basically, we’re kinda where we were a month ago.
Still, it’s not like Phoenix is unfamiliar with being courted for big tentpoles. He was sought for the role of Lex Luthor in "Batman v. Superman: Dawn Of Justice," and while that didn’t work out, perhaps this one will. It’ll be interesting to see if the actor will go for the relatively low pay and multiple movie requirements Marvel offers, but given that Phoenix likes to rise to new challenges, we could see this going either way. More undoubtedly to come.
"@devincf: Joaquin Phoenix met w/ Marvel this week about Strange, but I feel like he may still balk." True.
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) August 28, 2014
Not so fast. I personally checked in with pals at CAA this morning & Joaquin Phoenix deal still not finalized. Lots still to work out.
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) August 28, 2014
No, Joaquin. You're better than it.
You'd think Marvel might send him over some Dr Strange comics?!