Last month it was reported that three-time Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix was at the top of Marvel’s wishlist for Doctor Strange, and that he was in negotiations with the studio. Now Collider is reporting that those talks are about to be concluded, and that Phoenix is in final negotiations for the title role.
This news comes hot off the heels of a recent rumor claiming that Boardwalk Empire alum Jack Huston was being eyed for the role, but according to Collider’s sources, that simply isn’t true:
“Despite rumors to the contrary, we’re hearing that Phoenix is absolutely still in line to play Doctor Strange in the Marvel adaptation, with our source telling us that his contract is essentially at the 1 yard line, about to pass into the endzone. Though some believed the length of time it’s taken for Phoenix to finalized his deal was a sign that things might have gone south, it makes sense that an actor of Phoenix’s caliber and temperament would want to ensure that his Marvel contract doesn’t restrict his creative freedom to take on other projects outside the MCU.”
One of the biggest things that’s left fans skeptical about Phoenix’s casting is his resume, and desire for creative freedom. Luckily for us, it appears that he and Marvel have found a way to give him the freedom he needs to pursue other projects, while also signing one of those famous multi-film Marvel contracts.
Phoenix has not yet signed the dotted line to play the Sorcerer Supreme, but we should expect an official confirmation from Marvel’s camp soon.
Directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister), Doctor Strange is expected to hit theaters on July 8, 2016.
Originally published August 28, 2014. Updated April 11, 2018.
