Since Scott Derrickson confirmed the news that he’ll be helming a Doctor Strange movie for Marvel Studios and Disney, several names have been rumoured to play the Sorcerer Supreme. Whilst the likes of Johnny Depp, Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jared Leto, and Jack Huston have all been linked to the part, Joaquin Phoenix was said to be the frontrunner for the gig. It now appears, though, that Phoenix is out of the equation.

 

Deadline reports that talks between the actor and Marvel have fallen through. Several weeks ago, word came that the biggest stumbling block was that Phoenix wasn’t particularly comfortable with committing to a multi-picture deal, something which all of Marvel’s stars have to do. It appears that this, plus the amount of green screen work involved in such a film, is what caused Phoenix to decide that the role wasn’t for him.

In terms of who will end up playing the Master of the Mystic Arts, a rumour has surfaced at This is Infamous that says Ethan Hawke is now under consideration to headline the film. Hawke worked with director Derrickson on 2012’s SINISTER, although treat this as purely speculation for now.

It’s believed that DOCTOR STRANGE is currently targeting a July 8th, 2016 release.

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