The film has a director and writer in place.
Robert Downey Jr. kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Iron Man in a surprising casting choice for the up-and-coming movie studio. Marvel's latest talks for its next superhero introduction are equally as strange.
The studio is actively pursuing three-time Oscar-nominated actor Joaquin Phoenix for the role of Doctor Strange, according to The Wrap. Neither Marvel nor Joaquin's team have confirmed his involvement yet.
Joaquin could be the next big name star joining the Marvel universe. (Guillermo Proano/WENN)
"Phoenix is in consideration and has had discussions about the movie," insiders told The Wrap. His possible deal may not include him signing on for a multiple pictures like his Marvel predecessors.
Joaquin's and the Doctor Strange film's future could become clearer after Saturday night when Marvel Studios President takes the stage at the San Diego Comic-Con in his Hall H presentation. The film already has signed on Scott Derrickson to direct and Jon Spaihts to write the script.
Joaquin may have dropped his own hint to his next role when he was spotted looking for Doctor Strange comics at a Connecticut comic book store, according to Twitter user @KevinInChains. He's currently filming a new Woody Allen film in the area.
Doctor Strange has an unofficial premiere date of July 8, 2016, one of the eight open dates Marvel released this month. The film will be part of the studio's Phase 3 rollout, kicked off by Paul Rudd's Ant-Man and a third installment of Captain America.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy had previously been rumored to take on the role of Stephen Strange, "a former neurosurgeon who serves as the Sorcerer Supreme, the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats," according to Wikipedia.
