Details On Why Joaquin Phoenix May Be Reluctant To Play DOCTOR STRANGE For Marvel

Details On Why Joaquin Phoenix May Be Reluctant To Play DOCTOR STRANGE For Marvel

Though he's said to be in "final talks" for the role of Stephen Strange in Scott Derrickson's Doctor Strange, others claim that he has simply met with Marvel and that Collider's report was very premature. Here, we have some possible details on why the Her star may end up passing...

News
By JoshWilding - Aug 31, 2014 04:08 AM EST
Filed Under: Doctor Strange
Source: Badass Digest (via IGN)

Contrary to recent reports, many just can't see Joaquin Phoenix - who apparently passed on the Lex Luthor role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - starring in Doctor Strange for Marvel Studios. He first became what sounded like a frontrunner for the Scott Derrickson helmed movie during Comic-Con, and it appeared as if he would be announced at the event just like Mark Ruffalo was for The Avengers a few years ago. That obviously didn't happen, but according to Badass Digest (via IGN), that was the plan! The site goes on to add that, "That weekend a Marvel Studios insider told me they had tried their hardest, that they had pushed as hard as they could, but they couldn't close the deal in time." They also confirm Collider's claims that he's still in talks, but caution: "[The] problems that have kept the deal from closing remain, and they go beyond the basic fact that Phoenix is balking at the heavy multi-picture contract: Joaquin Phoenix literally doesn't know if he can work on this kind of movie. He's a great actor, and he can play the role. But the Marvel Studios blockbuster machine is full of pre-viz and fight-viz and green screen and massive reshoots. It's not a world that's as comfortable for him, and he's just not certain he can do it." It all now comes down to whether or not Kevin Feige can convince Phoenix to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and many of us speculated that these exact reasons could play a role in whether or not he signs on the dotted line. What do you guys think? 
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NovaCorpsFan
NovaCorpsFan - 8/31/2014, 4:26 AM
Aw. Well then, who?
Maven
Maven - 8/31/2014, 4:27 AM
... So Phoenix was the missing (Marvel) piece at Comic-Con. Whether this is bs or not, it makes sense.
Maven
Maven - 8/31/2014, 4:27 AM
Why Marvel's panel fell short with many, that is.
loki668
loki668 - 8/31/2014, 4:29 AM
GOOD! The guy is an amazing actor but, I just don't see him playing this part.
DEVWoulf
DEVWoulf - 8/31/2014, 4:31 AM
It would have been perfect timing at Comic-Con to have two years of talk and buildup. We should have the announcement of whoever soon though.
UltronMk7
UltronMk7 - 8/31/2014, 4:35 AM
These are the reasons many thought he would never accept the role. Hoping he does though. Marvel needs a strong actor locked up for what looks like a pivotal role in the MCU. Especially if they lose RDJ (still think money talks and he isn't going anywhere) and/or Cap.
sinsear912
sinsear912 - 8/31/2014, 4:38 AM
Rdj still has the sherlock film series.
NoAssemblyReqd
NoAssemblyReqd - 8/31/2014, 4:42 AM
I'm not saying he's a full-tilt diva like Edward Norton, but Phoenix seems like the type of actor who'd end up being a one-and-done for Marvel. The guy has a sense of humor about his persona, for sure (remember that meltdown hoax a few years ago?), but he also tries to avoid the flash and glam of big Hollywood. And Marvel is all about big promotion, with big personalities at the fore.
loki668
loki668 - 8/31/2014, 4:43 AM
@Nubase

You mean besides "The Soloist", "Tropic Thunder", and "Due Date"?
loki668
loki668 - 8/31/2014, 4:44 AM
Oh yes, let's not forget Sherlock Holmes
NeoBaggins
NeoBaggins - 8/31/2014, 4:44 AM
Man, I knew this was too good to be true. He would have to sign on for multiple films and CBMs are probably not high on his list of genres.

Now we're probably going to get a terrible miscast and I'll have to sit here rolling my eyes at all the comments claiming how "perfect" it is.

Strange and T'Challa have to be solid on casting.
kinghulk
kinghulk - 8/31/2014, 4:47 AM
if im honest even though he is a great actor i dont want him to be doctor strange simply because i dont think he will stick around. i say find another actor
Enphlieuwince
Enphlieuwince - 8/31/2014, 4:50 AM
And RDJ also did Due Date and The Soloist. And apparently he played some part (maybe behind the scenes, not sure I didn't see it) in Favreau's Chef.
kinghulk
kinghulk - 8/31/2014, 4:50 AM
nubase- downey jr has appeared in 8 films since iron man not including marvel films.
loki668
loki668 - 8/31/2014, 4:52 AM
@Gusto

Just because..............
BlackFlash
BlackFlash - 8/31/2014, 4:53 AM
I did say that people shouldn't jump the gun and that it was only final talks and has yet to be confirmed, i also said the problem would be can he stay on for more then 3 films even if he's contracted too. This was the reason I didn't get my hopes up straight away.
BlanketMan
BlanketMan - 8/31/2014, 5:00 AM
I could understand Phoenix's hesitation if he was signing on to play Adam Warlock or Nova, or any other character who will have to physically battle the bad guys. Dr. Strange is not a typical super-hero. He isn't going to require a major bulk-up on Phoenix's part, and presumably they'll be little to no standard "fight scenes" like Cap, Thor, and even Iron Man are involved in. Sure, they'll be lots of green screen, but I envision Strange just doing his "I'm casting a powerful spell your way" pose; not a lot of fisticuffs for the Doc. Maybe he should talk to Ruffalo, whose Banner requires no real physical demands, either.
MightyZeus
MightyZeus - 8/31/2014, 5:05 AM
Maybe it's because comic book films very rarely get nominated for oscars or win oscars. So perhaps Phoenix is thinking the same way Leonardo DiCaprio is.

Phoenix is a great actor, loved him in "Walk the Line" but i don't picture the actor as my favorite Sorcerer Supreme in the MCU.
Desrow
Desrow - 8/31/2014, 5:06 AM
Phoenix it's a great actor, but I highly doubt he can sign a multimovie contract.
sameoldthing
sameoldthing - 8/31/2014, 5:08 AM
Dr. Strange should have tons of green screen/pre viz/CG work involved it the making of the film.
The mystical powers he displays,the astral projection,the bizarre creatures & other worldly dimensions all need to be showcased.
All that will be post production stuff..the actor playing Strange needs only to act & not worry about the technical stuff.

This film should be mind blowing visually & use 3D effects to really make the magic pop on screen.
Just cast a solid actor who's willing to be in a big franchise & make big money.
Marvel would do well with Phoenix but they shouldn't waste too much time/effort on him.
ManThing
ManThing - 8/31/2014, 5:09 AM
Strange is the coolest character. It would be a great role. He's missing out.

Blanketman has a point. I don't think Strange even has to gesture to throw up those shields he uses. So other than the wire work flying I bet that it wouldn't be too terribly physical.
Enphlieuwince
Enphlieuwince - 8/31/2014, 5:12 AM
BlanketMan I'm positive you're wrong about Phoenix not needing to worry about doing fight scenes. Or, I should rather say he is a trained fighter in the comics, and, it wouldn't be off the table to see it in a film.
Invictor
Invictor - 8/31/2014, 5:14 AM
I don't think he was actually going to play as Lex. Didn't they choose Eisenberg because they wanted him to be very young which explains how the inside of Lexcorp looked?
MightyZeus
MightyZeus - 8/31/2014, 5:17 AM
@MexicanChinman, It was just an assumption of mine. I do agree about the awards show judging unfairly and not rewarding or giving credit to talent when it's due.
loki668
loki668 - 8/31/2014, 5:18 AM
Strange IS a trained martial artist (Wong is his teacher as well as his pupil) so physicality COULD be required for the role.
diogosanto
diogosanto - 8/31/2014, 5:20 AM
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