Is Joaquin Phoenix Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’?

Rumor has it that Marvel is in talks with three-time Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix to take on the title role in its upcoming film Doctor Strange, which follows neurosurgeon Stephen Strange as he becomes Sorcerer Supreme and protects Earth from magical and mythical menaces.

According to The Wrap, sources say that Phoenix is the top choice for the role, but “there is no deal in place yet.” Marvel’s San Diego Comic-Con panel will be taking place Saturday night, and many fans are expecting to hear an official announcement about casting for the film at the event.

Even though Phoenix’s career lately has mostly consisted of indie films like Her and The Master, it seems that he is interested in being a part of a comic book film. Phoenix was previously in talks to play Lex Luthor in Warner Brothers’ Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but the part went to Jesse Eisenberg.

Rumors have stated that Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy were being considered for Doctor Strange, but they both appear to have scheduling conflicts. Jared Leto and Justin Theroux were also said to be possibilities, but Leto is currently looking to focus more on directing, while Theroux is busy filming for HBO’s new series The Leftovers.

Doctor Strange, which will be directed by Scott Derrickson and penned by Jon Spaihts, is expected to be released in 2016.