Just before the San Diego Comic-Con, several sites reported that Joaquin Phoenix (The Master, Her) was all but signed on to portray the role of Dr. Stephen Strange in Marvel’s Doctor Strange, with the deal seemingly falling through at the last minute. So, as Marvel continues it search for the Sorcerer Supreme – with Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) now reportedly the studio’s choice for the role – Phoenix has now briefly addressed the rumour during a chat with Playboy.
“I can’t talk about it. I’ve met on all sorts of movies throughout the years. What seems appealing about some of them is the idea of pushing myself in a way that’s out of my comfort zone. But really, it’s what I’m always looking for—good characters, big ideas and a passionate filmmaker. If those things line up with any kind of movie, I have interest in it… There’s only one movie I regret saying no to—except the person who ended up doing it was so good and was absolutely meant to do it, so I don’t have any regrets. I’m not going to say which one, but it was a really big hit. It’s getting to the point where they’re making some pretty decent movies. I thought Iron Man was fantastic.”
So, if he can’t talk about it, does that mean he’s not quite out of the running for the Scott Derrickson-directed Phase Three movie, or could he be on Marvel’s radar for a different role?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3tDoJArrFw&feature=player_embedded&list=PL18yMRIfoszH_jfuJoo8HCG1-lGjvfH2F
Originally published November 12, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
