The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a rapidly expanding entity that evolves and deepens with each successive entry the mega-franchise receives. After two fantastic Marvel Studios productions earlier this year, fans and general moviegoers can rest assured that the on-going series will continue to thrive and flourish for many years to come. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY successfully demonstrated (once again) that the studio can consistently produce original material, that stands out against the fierce competition.
With that in mind, audiences are frequently looking ahead to what Marvel have in store for us next year and beyond with their future ‘phase 3’ releases that are currently lined up. DOCTOR STRANGE is an adaptation that has been name-dropped several times in the past by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. However, it is only recently that the film has finally started showing signs of life after spending years as a pipe dream of Feige and the other Marvel big-wigs. Scott Derrickson (SINISTER) was announced as the man to bring the Sorcerer Supreme to the big screen earlier this summer, with a rumoured production start set for early 2015.
DOCTOR STRANGE is widely-speculated to be taking 2016’s second mystery release date of July 8th (following CAPTAIN AMERICA 3), which leaves little time to beat around the bush when it comes to casting. Shortly before last months San Diego Comic Con, Joaquin Phoenix was rumoured to be Marvel’s front runner for the part. However, since then these rumours have largely died down and disappeared in preference of fan-favourite’s such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy. Now, a new report is claiming that Phoenix is in fact still Marvel’s top choice for Strange, and that the talented actor is all-but signed on for the role. With final negotiations currently taking place, the report mentions that Marvel could announce the casting (officially) any day now.
This is certainly exciting news for Marvelites across the globe!, not to mention many film fans who follow the extremely diverse and interesting star’s work. In terms of quality and originality when it comes to their adaptations, Marvel would be very lucky to tie down Phoenix for a long term contract. Phoenix received high critical praise (yet again) this February for his brilliant performance in Spike Jonze’s HER, which coincidentally starred Scarlett ‘Black Widow’ Johansson as well. With three Academy Award nominations and a glowing reputation under his belt, casting Phoenix would be a great way of securing the Marvel Cinematic Universe long after stars such as Robert Downey Jr. have ended their superhero careers.
What do you think? Would you like to see Joaquin Phoenix as Doctor Strange? Or would you rather have someone else entirely? Let us know in the comments section!
Source: Collider
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