It has been confirmed that 'The Gladiatior' actor is no longer in talks with Marvel Studios in playing the main role for 'Doctor Strange'. Joaquin Phoenix has chosen to do non-mainstream films, turning down Marvel's multi-picture contract.
This has left fans wondering who will play the character when it starts filming in May 2015, counting out Jack Huston (American Hustle), who before Phoenix was widely believed to be taking on the role of mystic doctor Stephen Strange. Jack Huston is now cast for a part in the upcoming remake of Ben-Hur.
Reported previously,
Update via denfogeek.com:
"Screen Daily reports that Marvel is "in advanced negotiations" to shoot Doctor Strange at Pinewood-Shepperton. Early work is apparently underway too, with a crew "being assembled for a move into Shepperton in late 2014/early 2015".
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).
Casting for Doctor Strange is rumored to have been initially between Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Carribean) Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line), and Kyle MacLachlan, who starred in Lesser known movies such as: Twin Peaks (1992) and Blue Velvet (1986)
Jack Huston is 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]."
Stay tuned to The Franchise Herald for updates on Doctor Strange release date and news.
