Now here's one we definitely didn't expect. It looks like Joaquin Phoenix is currently in advanced negotiations with Marvel to join the cinematic universe as none other than Doctor Strange.
Who's that, you're asking? Doctor Strange is one of the original Marvel superheroes, created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko almost 50 years ago. He's called the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth and was a former neurosurgeon who suffered an injury that rendered him unable to work. He seeks out an ancient power that makes him into the superhero.
Benedict Cumberbatch had been teased as a possible Doctor Strange, however THR.com reports that Phoenix is tantalisingly close to signing a deal. What with it being Comic-Con Week over in the US, it's entirely possible that if a deal is signed before the end of the week, they'll announce it.
Initial thoughts? Joaquin Phoenix is a fantastic actor. Her is on our Top 5 Films of 2014 and we've never seen Phoenix be the worst thing in a film. Is he the right fit for a role like this? We're not sure. Phoenix has a history of working with some of the brightest and most inventive minds in film. Trying to force himself into a Marvel film, which are notoriously stringent on script issues - just look at Edgar Wright's exit from Ant-Man - doesn't sound like Joaquin's bag.
Then again, he might feel like he's at a point in his career where he can do a big budget blockbuster. Remember Gladiator? He was fantastic in that.
The Doctor Strange film will be directed by Scott Derrickson and is expected sometime in 2016.
