The Sorcerer Supreme Hero will reach the big screen with the help of Director Scott Derrickson, who also directed Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005). Derrickson will be joined by John Spaihts as the writer, who also is responsible for the screenwriting for Prometheus (2012).
Jack Huston was the latest rumored choice to play Doctor Strange in the Kevin Feige directed movie. Huston has appeared in Boardwalk Empire, Factory Girl and last year's American Hustle.
But the Collider has reported insider news from Marvel that Joaquin Phoenix will be playing the role of Stephen Strange. The 'Gladiator' star is apparently already in the finalization stage of securing his role in Doctor Strange. Phoenix's name has been passed around in the rumor mill and is no doubt a brilliant choice to play the surgeon with mystical powers.
When asked about the role of Stephen Stange A.K.A Doctor Strange in the Marvel Universe, Executive Kevin Feige answered: "Doctor Strange is, I believe, our entry point into that other realm, which has dozens of characters and storylines all of its own. " He also was quick to add that the Hero's film will be "very, very important" to Marvel's future. "[This is] a journey of a man who's gone from this very arrogant surgeon to somebody who is quite zen and literally keeps all of reality together on a daily basis, but it also is going to open up a whole other side of storytelling for our movies,"
But with Captain America 3 and Ant-Man coming out in Marvel's Phase 3 plan, when can we expect Doctor Strange? Feige clears it up in an interview with Huffington Post:
"So, we're in 2014 now... It's time. It's time. I would be surprised if that were the case, yeah. Maybe three or four years, yeah, we'll see. But, I would like it to be the case. Much like Vin Diesel, I like it when something finally happens, and then we can talk about what it is - versus rumors of what it could be or should be or isn't yet [laughs]."
Update:
In Joaquin Phoenix Doctor Strange news, the "Her" actor is reluctant in accepting the role of Stephen Strange.Collider reported that the actor and Marvel is still in talks, but something is getting in the way of securing a contract with Phoenix (via IGN)
The stall in securing the contract "go beyond the basic fact that Phoenix is balking at the heavy multi-picture contract: Joaquin Phoenix literally doesn't know if he can work on this kind of movie. He's a great actor, and he can play the role. But the Marvel Studios blockbuster machine is full of pre-viz and fight-viz and green screen and massive reshoots. It's not a world that's as comfortable for him, and he's just not certain he can do it. ... If Marvel can get past any issues Phoenix has with the larger contract they still have to get over the doubt this terrific actor has about working in this larger environment."
Update:
Screen International (via Empire) has reported that filming is pushing through, with Marvel Studios gathering its production crew to shoot the movie in Shepperton in mid-2015.
Stay tuned to The Franchise Herald for more Doctor Strange movie news as information becomes available.
