After three months of negotiations, Joaquin Phoenix will not be portraying Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE on the big screen after all.
Entertainment Weekly reports that Marvel and Phoenix were unable to come to agreeable terms regarding the film and its possible future place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Phoenix has never taken a role in major blockbuster films before, favoring smaller, quieter productions, so it’s possible the scale of the film was too much for the actor.
There’s also a rumor that in Phoenix’s place, Ethan Hawke is being considered for the role. Hawke worked with STRANGE director Scott Derrickson on SINISTER.