Almost a decade ago, Marvel Studios found themselves amidst the roaring success of the MCU’s Phase 3, in search of an actor who could impeccably embody one of the franchise’s most beloved superheroes: Doctor Strange. Back then, Joaquin Phoenix, fresh from his success in “Joker: Folie à Deux,” appeared to be the perfect fit for the role.
The Oscar-winning actor advanced significantly in the casting process, generating considerable excitement for his potential involvement in the blockbuster. However, as fate would have it, he departed from the project.
What led to this unexpected turn of events? In a detailed interview with SlashFilm, Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson shed light on the intricate process of selecting the ideal actor and disclosed the circumstances surrounding Phoenix’s departure.
Derrickson admitted that despite his initial enthusiasm for Phoenix, his heart was set on Benedict Cumberbatch, renowned for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, to portray the enigmatic Sorcerer Supreme.
However, a scheduling conflict posed a significant hurdle, as Cumberbatch’s availability did not align with the filming period scheduled by Marvel Studios. Meanwhile, Phoenix, though intrigued by the prospect of embodying Stephen Strange, harbored reservations about committing to a multi-movie contract with Disney.
Nevertheless, Phoenix engaged in discussions with Derrickson, spending numerous afternoons going into the intricacies of the character and the film’s vision. Derrickson recounted their meetings fondly, expressing admiration for Phoenix’s approach to the role and his evolving perspective.
Despite this rapport, Derrickson eventually concluded that Phoenix might not be the right fit for the MCU, citing the actor’s distinct artistic sensibilities and career objectives.
In Derrickson’s words, “As we continued to talk, it became clear to me that Joaquin didn’t really belong in that movie and probably never belonged in the MCU.” This realization prompted Derrickson to reconsider his casting choices, ultimately reaffirming his preference for Cumberbatch.
While Phoenix’s departure may have initially seemed like a setback, Derrickson’s conviction in Cumberbatch’s suitability ultimately led Marvel Studios and Disney to adjust the shooting schedule to accommodate the acclaimed actor. In retrospect, it’s evident that this decision was pivotal, as Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Doctor Strange has since garnered widespread acclaim and solidified his place within the MCU pantheon.
