Another day, another actor rumored to be featured in Marvel's forthcoming Doctor Strange movie. It seemed for a minute that Joaquin Phoenix was all but locked up to take on the Marvel superhero role, but no more. Matthew McConaughey and Ewan McGregor are the latest additions to the ever-growing list. (To be fair, this movie has been in development since 1986, so what's the harm in waiting a little longer?) Here are the gents who've become subjects of the "Doctor Strange" rumors ahead of the movie's rumored July 8, 2016, release:
Matthew McConaughey
Chris Pizzello/AP
"It's unclear whether the 'Interstellar' actor could even take on Doctor Strange given his busy schedule, but Marvel believes that, after drawing interest from Phoenix, the studio can get anyone in the room and execs want a star for the part." -- Variety, October 2014
Ethan Hawke
Dan Steinberg/AP
"Ethan Hawke is their new guy, having offered him the role on Friday. I hear Hawke accepted the job over the weekend, and things have quickly progressed into contract talks, with a six-picture deal being what Marvel is hoping to lock him into. [...] Unless something happens at the negotiating table to collapse this, he should be announced as Marvel’s choice soon enough." -- This Is Infamous, October 2014
Ewan McGregor
Alvaro Barrientos/AP
"Yesterday a new source contacted me and said that Ewan McGregor had been prepping for the role -- doing the usual research actors do when looking at taking on an adaptation or existing character. I contacted one of my usual sources and asked if this was true, and I was told 'They're looking at him.'" -- Badass Digest, October 2014
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Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
"Latino-Review.com head honcho Kellvin Chavez went out and found out and according to trusted sources, the 'rumor,' yes I said rumor going around Marvel Studios is that they want…
…YOU READY FOR THIS COOL KIDS…
…JOSEPH GORDON LEVITT!
BOOM!
Now at press time, we are not saying that an offer has been made, that talks have even engaged and who knows, Levitt and his team are probably unaware, BUT we are hearing that Marvel execs internally are discussing that Levitt is who they figure would be ideal." -- Latino Review, July 2013 (Gordon-Levitt's rep later denied this rumor)
…YOU READY FOR THIS COOL KIDS…
…JOSEPH GORDON LEVITT!
BOOM!
Now at press time, we are not saying that an offer has been made, that talks have even engaged and who knows, Levitt and his team are probably unaware, BUT we are hearing that Marvel execs internally are discussing that Levitt is who they figure would be ideal." -- Latino Review, July 2013 (Gordon-Levitt's rep later denied this rumor)
Benedict Cumberbatch
Joel Ryan/Invision/AP
"Marvel is putting together its cast list, and I’m hearing that Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch are on it." -- Deadline.com, June 2014 (Cumberbatch has said his schedule wouldn't allow him to take on the role)
Tom Hardy
Theo Wargo via Getty Images
"Marvel is putting together its cast list, and I’m hearing that Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch are on it." -- Deadline, June 2014
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Joaquin Phoenix
Eric Charbonneau/Invision/AP
"As Marvel finalizes surprises for its Comic-Con panel on Saturday, the rumor mill regarding 'Doctor Strange' has reached a fever pitch and the actor who has been mentioned most often for the coveted superhero role is none other than three-time Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix, multiple individuals close to the casting process have told TheWrap. [...] While insiders caution there is no deal in place yet, multiple sources say Phoenix is in consideration and has had discussions about the movie." -- The Wrap, July 2014 (Phoenix is no longer in talks for the role)
Jared Leto
ASSOCIATED PRESS
"I have also heard that Marvel likes (or liked, I don't know what the current status of this is) Jared Leto for Stephen Strange." -- Badass Digest, June 2014
Jake Gyllenhaal
Ryan Miller/Invision/AP
"Sources say the actor is quite interested in playing a superhero after a string of dark, brooding films like 'Prisoners' and 'Nightcrawler,' both of which earned the actor rave reviews. Years ago, Gyllenhaal was close to replacing Tobey Maguire in 'Spiderman 2' before Maguire came back to the role. It looks like he's still very intrigued with the comic-book realm." -- Variety, October 2014
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