Joaquin Phoenix On Why He Tends To Pass On Blockbuster Roles Such As DOCTOR STRANGE
Fans should probably begin to resign themselves to the fact that we will never see Joaquin Phoenix in a superhero role... at least, not a big budget one. Here the actor talks a little more about why he tends to avoid those type of special effects-driven movies...
There's been several big budget projects that Joaquin Phoenix has been rumored to be attached to over the years, but the role he seems to have come closest to accepting is the one fans most wish he had: The Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange.
Phoenix has spoken in the past about his reasons for turning that - and effects-driven blockbusters in general - down, and in a new interview with Time Out London he elaborates. The highly in-demand actor says those type of films are simply not for him, as he doesn't believe he'd find acting in them to be "fulfilling."
"When I was younger I was probably a bit of a snob about [taking on blockbuster roles]. But they’ve gotten better. I’ve flirted with several of those films, having meetings and getting close, but ultimately it never felt like they’d really be fulfilling. There were too many requirements that went against my instincts for character. I’ve been spoiled. I’ve never had to make those compromises. I’ve not met a director yet with one of those films where we go through the script, they say: 'You know what, [frick] this set-piece, let’s focus on the character!' I understand, but it’s best I don’t do it."
That's not to say Phoenix isn't happy to be in the audience for those type of flicks, just that he doesn't believe he can "fulfill the obligations£ of starring in one. He seems to be a fan of J.J. Abrams' Star Trek reboot in particular, and even praises its star Chris Pine as a genius. "I enjoy watching those movies," he adds. "Did you see the rebooted 'Star Trek'? That kid Chris Pine who plays Kirk is [frick]ing genius. I just don’t know if I want to have the experience of being in them. I’ve read some of those scripts and 75 percent is a description of some asteroid going through space."
Sounds like if studios want this guy for their tentpoles, they're going to need to ensure the scripts place the focus on character and story ahead of action and spectacle. What do you guys make of Phoenix's stance on this? Were you disappointed he didn't wind up playing Doctor Strange? Sound off below.
About The Author:
Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.