'Doctor Strange' Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch & Joaquin Phoenix Back In Contention, Keanu Reeves & Colin Farrell Enter Race [VIDEO]
It seems like Marvel is going back to some names they have already looked at for the role of Doctor Strange as talks begin to heat up among some of Hollywood's biggest stars trying to snag the superhero role.
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The Wrap reported on Friday that Marvel is currently eyeing four actors as the leaders for the main role in director Scott Derrickson's Doctor Strange: Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Farrell, Joaquin Phoenix, and Keanu Reeves.
Cumberbatch has been a name attached to just about every major superhero tentpole with the most recent rumors linking him to playing Martian Manhunter in Batman v. Superman and Justice League. The British actor was initially on Marvel's shortlist, but his growing film schedule and Sherlock priorities scared them off.
Keanu Reeves Is Interested In Playing This Marvel Superhero
Farrell is a hot name now with the actor grabbing a main role in the second season of HBO's True Detective. As of now, his schedule may conflict with the filming for Doctor Strange, but the site said his requirement for the HBO show should be done once production on the Marvel movie begins.
Phoenix was once thought to have the role locked up, but decided against it due to the constraints of a six-picture deal with Marvel that would tie him down for the foreseeable future. That, and the fact that he was unsure of working with so many special effects, had Phoenix out of the running prior to the New York Film Festival.
Reeves got his name on the list to a groundswell of fan support, and the actor addressed the rumors multiple times during his recent press tour for John Wick. While he was interested in the character, he is also another actor who may be scared away with the contract.
The Wrap adds that while these actors lead the list previous names such as Jared Leto, Oscar Isaac, and Justin Theroux are also still in contention.
Doctor Strange is eyeing a July 2016 release date.
