In some very surprising news, it looks like Joaquin Phoenix might be on the verge of locking up the role of Doctor Strange in the Marvel Phase 3 movie. The movie will be directed by Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) and will likely be a 2016 release.
This is surprising for a couple of reasons. The biggest reason is that Joaquin Phoenix usually avoids major tent-pole movies. His last two big roles were in Spike Jonze’s Her and P.T. Anderson’s The Master. This year, he will star in Anderson’s Inherent Vice. Those movies proved that he is one of the better actors working today, but he isn’t a big Hollywood name.
The other surprising reason is that he seems a strange choice to play Doctor Strange at all. With Benedict Cumberbatch my preferred choice and both Tom Hardy and recent Oscar winner Jared Leto as the lead Doctor Strange casting rumors for the role, Phoenix comes out of left field.
But, that doesn’t mean it is a bad thing. Phoenix will just have to step up and prove he can play an arrogant neurosurgeon, but once Strange injures his hands, I have no doubt that Phoenix can play the pathos of an angry man. He then gets the chance to become one of Marvel’s most controlling figures, and the quiet demeanor of Strange might be a perfect match for Phoenix.
What are your thoughts on the possible Doctor Strange casting rumors? Would you prefer someone else or is Joaquin Phoenix perfect or the role? Chime in below with your thoughts.
Source: Deadline
