Joaquin Phoenix comments on post casting!

[Slushy]

Now that Benedict Cumberbatch has been officially confirmed as our big-screen Doctor Strange, the man that looked likely to take the role for a while leading up to that can speak a bit more freely. He still won't really discuss how far he came, but does reveal how much he enjoys Marvel's films.

When the rumor first hit that Joaquin Phoenix was being looked at for the title role in Marvel's planned Doctor Strange adaptation, fans held their breath in anticipation. Then, it was reported that the actor was actually in "final talks" for the role, which is usually a sign that it's in the bag. This turned out to premature however, and Phoenix passed. At the time we heard this was because he baulked at the multiple-movie contract he would have had to sign, and wanted to be free to make different types of films when he felt like it, but we never heard that from the horse's mouth. Now, during press for his new movie Inherent Vice, Phoenix was asked outright how close he came to playing the Sorcerer Supreme by the website Nuke The Fridge. His answer was a simple and direct "I don't know", but when pushed to speak about his Marvel negotiations he did offer a little more on his feelings towards the studio itself.

"I like all sorts of movies. I know that I typically do dramas that I guess are maybe considered independent but I like all sorts of different movies. I’m just looking for good characters and big ideas and a great filmmaker. Sometimes the fit is right and that’s it.” Those guys make great movies. I loved Iron Man, I liked Guardians of the Galaxy. I really like the movies they make. I enjoy watching them. I think they do them really well. The superhero movies are our version of those great Kung Fu movies. I enjoy that.”

Still hope for Phoenix in another role though. Maybe as a villain instead. t:

 

[Keyser Soze]

I do like Joaquin Phoenix. So, I'm happy that, even though he didn't take this role, he at least isn't down on the idea of a superhero movie.

 

[Owl]

It's a pretty good down to earth, optimistic response to the movie. Who knows, maybe we'll see him in a different superhero movie role that fits his style more comfortably.

 

[Silvermoth]

Yo he's baron mordo guys. That's what I reckon

 

[antonydelfini]

Aside from Doctor Strange, I cant think of another superhero that's a good fit for him. Phoenix was my first choice for the role, but Benedict is perfect casting as well.

 

[marcvader]

He'd make a fantastic Mordo.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

I hope it happens. I think he would be an excellent choice for Mordo also. It also goes to show that some of the more indie darlings and stars aren't down on the CBM genre like some people believe.

 

[marcvader]

I hope it happens. I think he would be an excellent choice for Mordo also. It also goes to show that some of the more indie darlings and stars aren't down on the CBM genre like some people believe.

Right? It seems many are coming out now.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

You bet on the winning racehorse. CBM's are the moneymakers and are seen as less niche and more respected from a pop culture point of view.

 

[Chris B]

I was really rooting for Phoenix to get this so I was disappointed when that didn't happen. Cool to see that he doesn't seem bitter about the whole thing. I do like the idea of him being Mordo though.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

I think he'd be a lot more comfortable with being a CBM villain and than a hero and franchise lead. Most of the time, you're only in one movie as a villain.