Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson recently talked about his time developing the film for Marvel Studios, specifically casting the role of Dr. Stephen Strange.

There were a lot of interesting names in the mix to star in the film before Benedict Cumberbatch was ultimately cast. One of the big names that was being considered for the role was Joaquin Phoenix.

It turns out that Phoenix actually came incredibly close to being cast as Doctor Strange! During an interview with /Film, Derrickson talked about spending time with the actor.

He said: “Well, all I’ll say is I spent some time with him. I spent a couple of long afternoons with him and really was really impressed with him personally and his thought process.”

He added: “This is what I’ll say: I think he was giving, I think he was opening his mind to the possibility. I think he was investigating the possibility.”

It just got to the point where the director started to realize he wasn’t right for the role. “I met with a bunch of actors, and Joaquin was the one that I spent the most time with.”

He went on to say: “As we continued to talk, it became clear to me that Joaquin didn’t really belong in that movie and probably never belonged in the MCU. He’s a very specific guy with very specific goals as an actor, and a very specific way of performing.”

Derrickson concluded: “I think it became clear to both of us that this might not be a good fit, really is what it came down to.”

It would’ve been really interesting to see Phoenix in the role, I’m just not sure how he would’ve committed to it for all of the films Marvel was going to make with the character.

While I liked Cumberbatch, Phoenix is a better actor, and I’m sure he would’ve done something very different with the character.

As for Cumberbatch being cast in the film, Derrickson said the actor was always “my choice for the role.” 

When previously talking about why he didn’t take the role, Phoenix said: “When I was younger I was probably a bit of a snob about [taking on blockbuster roles]. But they’ve gotten better.”

He continued: “I’ve flirted with several of those films, having meetings and getting close, but ultimately it never felt like they’d really be fulfilling. There were too many requirements that went against my instincts for character. I’ve been spoiled. I’ve never had to make those compromises.”

He said: “I’ve not met a director yet with one of those films where we go through the script, they say: ‘You know what, f–k this set-piece, let’s focus on the character!’ I understand, but it’s best I don’t do it.”

Do you think Phoenix would’ve been a good choice for the role?