Joaquin Phoenix Talks About Passing On 'Doctor Strange'

Joaquin Phoenix is one of the more enigmatic actors working today. While pretty much every film he touches is great, the actor, himself, is a tough nut to crack. So, when it was reported that the actor was one of Marvel Studios’ first choices for the role of Stephen Strange in “Doctor Strange,” fans were equal parts skeptical and excited. Eventually, the role went to Benedict Cumberbatch, but the idea that Phoenix was even in the running was exciting news.

Since then, “Doctor Strange” was released and did great business, and Cumberbatch will be seen alongside the rest of the Marvel heroes in the upcoming “Avengers: Infinity War.” Phoenix, on the other hand, has stuck to the low-profile, indie films that he’s known for, and has done so well with over his career.

READ MORE: Joaquin Phoenix Doesn’t Seem To Know Anything About That Joker Movie He’s Supposed To Star In

Recently, Little White Lies interviewed the actor and asked him if he’d ever dip his toes in the superhero world in the future. Phoenix said:

“I think they make some great, fun movies. There’s nothing wrong… I’m not a fucking, like, cinephile. I’m not a snob and I’m totally fine with… I enjoy those movies sometimes, and I think they keep the fucking industry going in some ways, so I don’t have a problem with it at all. I think that everybody was, is… I’m trying to figure out how to say this most diplomatically, okay… I think everybody was really happy with how things turned out. All parties were satisfied.”

If you expected a clear, candid response from the actor, then you obviously haven’t seen a Joaquin Phoenix interview. However, reading this does give the idea that there is still a chance for the actor to eventually show up in one of these films. It was reported that the main sticking point in the “Doctor Strange” discussions was the option for sequels and cameos that are commonplace in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Perhaps, a one-off role, like an antagonist, would be a better fit for Phoenix.

Recently, it was rumored that Phoenix might end up taking the role of the Joker in an untitled Joker origin film over at Warner Bros. That film seems more along the lines of what Phoenix enjoys. Filmmaker Martin Scorsese is attached to produce this film, which is described as grim and gritty take on the Bat-villain’s rise to power in ‘80s Gotham. This could be a perfect fit for the actor. And who wouldn’t want to see a Joaquin Joker?

Either way, Phoenix isn’t definitively saying no to these projects, which means we might see him put on a pair of tights in the future. While you’re at it, watch a clip from Phoenix’s latest, decidedly un-superheroic movie, “You Were Never Really Here” from director Lynne Ramsay.