Marvel has always had a fascinating casting process. How they managed to nab Robert Redford for the role of Alexander Pierce in Captain America: The Winter Soldier is beyond me. But their casting process has always remained secretive, and just like a film’s synopsis, we won’t know anything about the it until Marvel wants to let us know.

Sure there are rumors and speculation, and that’s fun to read. But Marvel hasn’t disappointed us yet, so the person they are said to be talking to for the title role in Doctor Strange may impress you. Collider says that Marvel is now in final talks with Joaquin Phoenix to play Doctor Strange. Benedict Cumberbatch and Justin Theroux were among names on the short list for the role as well, but it looks like Marvel may be settling on Phoenix. Hit the jump to learn more.

Now it is still early, and unconfirmed, but Phoenix being in final talks says a lot. Of course we don’t know how long he’ll be Doctor Strange. Samuel L. Jackson signed on to play Nick Fury for nine pictures, Chris Evans signed on to play Cap for six pictures, and most recently Robert Downey Jr. extended his deal to play Iron Man for two more film – this includes the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron.

If anything, Phoenix becoming Doctor Strange would be a huge surprise considering some of his previous roles. He is a frequent collaborator of Paul Thomas Anderson, and can next be seen in Inherent Vice, a very highly anticipated film.

Honestly, if this does happen, it’d be an even bigger upgrade than Robert Redford. He was already rumored to play Lex Luthor in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, before Jesse Eisenberg won the role. We should be hearing a confirmation very soon.

[Source: Collider]