Marvel Studios’ is no longer attempting to sign on Joaquin Phoenix to their “Doctor Strange” film adaptation, according to Deadline.
Phoenix reportedly never had a “deal” on the books, but was never really interested in taking on the role. However, Marvel still has their options open regarding possible actors to take on the role.
"Before Marvel started talking with him, the major names in the mix included The Drop‘s Tom Hardy, The Imitation Game’s Benedict Cumberbatch and Dallas Buyers Club‘s Jared Leto, among others,” Deadline reports.
Rumors also recently surfaced of Ethan Hawke may have signed on for Doctor Strange role in place of Phoenix. ThisIsFamous reports sources claim Hawke has accepted a deal from Marvel.
“I hear Hawke accepted the job over the weekend, and things have quickly progressed into contract talks, with a six-picture deal being what Marvel is hoping to lock him into,” according to ThisIs Famous.
“Hawke’s name is one that was tossed around early in the process due to his prior working relationship with director Scott Derrickson on SINISTER, and, while Hawke has always done solid work throughout his career (nominated for Oscars as both an actor and a writer), he’s never really had anything of this magnitude on his resume.”
However, Deadline claims reports of Hawke’s casting are false and he’s not on Marvel Studios’ radar at the moment.
“Don’t believe these talks that Boyhood‘s Ethan Hawke has made a deal to play the character; I’m told reliably that that is speculation run wild. I understand Marvel’s belief that Phoenix would have been great for that role, Joaquin Phoenix Doctor Strange Marvelin keeping with putting solid actors in those hero roles,” according to Deadline.
“Doctor Strange” is expected to hit theaters on July 28, 2016.
