12 Actors You Won't Believe Almost Played Iconic Comic Book Characters

Joaquin Phoenix is an absolutely phenomenal actor, playing some dark and twisted characters during his long and successful career. His choice of role though has often been one of a man chasing challenge not box office receipts, as the likes of I’m Not There and The Master prove.

So while he would have been a great Doctor Strange, it’s not that much of a surprise that he ended up turning it down when approached.

It’s only a rumour, but the story goes that Marvel liked Phoenix so much that he was their first choice, and that the part was only opened up to other actors once he had decided that the flick was not for him.

Benedict Cumberbatch went on to play Doctor Strange well, doing a particularly good job of building a dynamic with RDJ’s Tony Stark in Infinity War.

Phoenix’s upcoming portrayal of the Joker seems to fit his character driven, anti blockbuster sensibilities better anyway. If he’s still interested in the MCU though, Doctor Doom feels like it might be a good fit which still allows him to flex his considerable gifts.