Joaquin Phoenix in Final Talks to Portray Doctor Strange

Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Natalie Portman, Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Jeremy Renner, James Spade, Elizabeth Olsen, Robert Redford, Anthony Mackie, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba… the list goes on and on and on with so much actor talent involved with Marvel Studios’ slate of films. If rumors are true, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will receive a three-time Oscar nominated actor.

Joaquin Phoenix (HerThe Master) is in final negotiations to portray the mystical Doctor Strange in Marvel Studios’ Phase 3 of films. His name was attached to the project months ago, but since then, no updates were given. Even as recently as this week, actor Jack Huston’s (American Hustle) name was floating around. However, that appears to have been nothing but smoke as Marvel has focused their sights on Phoenix. Of course, given the actor’s pedigree and pickiness over projects, it still might be an extensive period of time before his contract is confirmed. More so, there’s no telling how many films Phoenix will want commit to as they could interfere with future projects he might find interest in.

Nevertheless, if Phoenix joins the Marvel Studios family, they’ll increase their already huge advantage of Warner Bros./DC by name recognition alone. I for one would love to see Phoenix portray Doctor Strange, if only to see a new side of Phoenix’s acting abilities.

[via Collider]