Benedict Cumberbatch, Keanu Reeves and Colin Farrell are reportedly up for the lead role in Marvel’s upcoming “Doctor Strange” live-action film adaptation.
The Wrap reports Joaquin Phoenix has officially dropped the project and declined offers to star in the film. Though Farrell and Reeves are in the running to take on Doctor Strange, Cumberbatch may be edging them out for the lead role.
“Multiple agency sources have told The Wrap that Cumberbatch remains high on the studio's list and they were surprised when the actor's name was omitted from this week's round of media reports,” according to The Wrap.
“Marvel has long wanted to be in business with Cumberbatch, who is as hot as ever thanks to the awards buzz surrounding his performance in ‘The Imitation Game.’ However, Cumberbatch's schedule may prove too tricky to overcome, as he has to film the new season of 'Sherlock' and plans to do a play next year.”
However, there are other possible contenders for the Doctor Strange role, according to Variety. Ewan McGregor, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jared Leto, Ethan Hawke, Matthew McConaughey and Oscar Isaac are rumored to be on Marvel’s list for Doctor Strange.
Leto is rumored to have expressed the most interest in the part and has been trying to land the role since Phoenix declined Marvel’s offers.
“Sources tell Variety the recent Oscar-winner [Leto] is aggressively pursuing the mystical part since Phoenix's departure and despite being notoriously picky about his movie roles, appears ready to get back in front of the camera. ‘Doctor Strange,’ somewhat of a rockstar in the Marvel universe, could be the perfect fit for him,” Variety reports.
Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” is slated to hit theaters on July 8, 2016.
