Doctor Strange Director Reveals Why Joaquin Phoenix Declined to Play MCU Hero

Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson spilled the details on almost casting Joaquin Phoenix to play the MCU's Sorcerer Supreme.

Before Benedict Cumberbatch was cast, Marvel Studios was considering Phoenix to potentially play the MCU character before he eventually declined the offer.

There is still some curiosity from fans regarding why Phoenix bowed out to join the MCU and wondering how close he was to agreeing to play the Sorcerer Supreme before he declined.

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Scott Derrickson Explains Joaquin Phoenix Declining to Play Doctor Strange

Credit: Warner Bros.

In an interview, Derrickson shared the details of his conversations with Phoenix when they were in talks for the actor to potentially play Doctor Strange in the MCU.

While the Oscar winner was in serious contention, the director clarified that he's always wanted Cumberbatch for the role but he was not originally available.

"Well, all I'll say is I spent some time with him. I spent a couple of long afternoons with him and really was really impressed with him personally and his thought process. This is what I'll say: I think he was giving, I think he was opening his mind to the possibility," he said.

"I think he was investigating the possibility. What happened, just to be clear, we offered the movie to Benedict. I wanted Benedict. That was my choice for the role. I flew all the way to London to try to talk him into doing it. What it came down to was that it was a summer movie, and Benedict had committed to doing Hamlet in London theater."

It became clear to the director that Phoenix was not the right person for the role and he had no interest in joining the MCU.

"I met with a bunch of actors, and Joaquin was the one that I spent the most time with. 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," Derrickson explained.

"He's a very specific guy with very specific goals as an actor, and a very specific way of performing. I think it became clear to both of us that this might not be a good fit, really is what it came down to."

Afterward, Derrickson asked Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to shift the release date to accommodate Cumberbatch's availability in his schedule. Fortunately, his request was granted by Disney.

At this point, it's hard to imagine any other actor playing Doctor Strange other than Cumberbatch and the casting became a win-win for everyone involved as the actor is now beloved in the role.

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