Doctor Strange
Benedict Cumberbatch has playedDoctor Strangein multiple entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe , but Marvel considered a variety of other worker to impersonate the Sorcerer Supreme . For the first two phase of the MCU , the movies mostly point clear of dealing with magic . TheThormovies explained conjuration is just skill we do n’t infer , but form 3 change this approximation with the inclusion of Doctor Strange .
Marvel Studios declare a soloDoctor Strangemovie in 2014 , with Scott Derrickson bond to conduct the first episode of a possible franchise . The film his house in November 2016 and became a decent sized hit for the MCU.Doctor Strangeearned over $ 675 million worldwide and receive very positive recap , as most highlighted the film ’s visuals . Since the release ofDoctor Strange , the character has become extremely convoluted with the MCU and played a pivotal office inAvengers : Infinity War . For many , this was the bestBenedict Cumberbatch has been in the role .
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However , it was not a foregone ending that Cumberbatch was going to be the MCU ’s Doctor Strange . Although he was always high on Marvel ’s wishlist , his commitments to other task contravene with whenDoctor Strangewas scheduled to take . Marvel Studios andKevin Feige ultimately decided to delayDoctor Strangeto secure Cumberbatch as the star , but they take many other histrion before .
Joaquin Phoenix Nearly Played Doctor Strange
When it look Benedict Cumberbatch could n’t fitDoctor Strangeinto his schedule , Marvel Studios turned their attending to several doer , but it was Joaquin Phoenix who emerged on top . At the time , Phoenix was refreshful off an Oscar - nominated performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’sThe Masterand another extremely - praised role in Spike Jonze’sHer . It was reported in 2014 thatPhoenix was in negotiationsto play the future Sorcerer Supreme and it was even believed that he would be confirmed at San Diego Comic - Con as part of Marvel ’s control panel . However , he did not make an appearance and by and by drop out of negotiations . The multi - film deal and extensive press commitments required to play a leading role in the MCU are some of the reasons why Phoenix passed on playing Doctor Strange .
After miss out on Phoenix ( and before circulate back around to Cumberbatch ) , there were closely a 12 actors connect to the office of Doctor Strange . Jared Letowas a name constantly mentioned on shortlist , while Tom Hardy and Jake Gyllenhaal were also believe . Marvel reportedly reckon atJohnny Depp , Matthew McConaughey , Ethan Hawke , and Ewan McGregor for the function , as well as Colin Farrell , Ryan Gosling , and Oscar Isaac . Several of those actors could ’ve played a convincing Doctor Strange , but Marvel Studios determine it was unspoiled to wait to get Cumberbatch .
Phoenix and Leto both go on to play Joker in separate labor , with McGregor and Farrell also getting DC villain roles since , as Black Mask inBirds of Preyand Penguin inThe Batman , respectively . Meanwhile , Marvel do back to Gyllenhaal a few years later and got him to play Mysterio inSpider - Man : Far From Home . WithDoctor Strangepotentially set to act a big part in phase angle 4 and beyond , fans should get to see much more of Benedict Cumberbatch as the Sorcerer Supreme - but maybe some of the other competitor could join the MCU in dissimilar roles .
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