Alternate Versions Of Every MCU Movie We Almost Got To See
6. Joaquin Phoenix's Doctor Strange
When Marvel Studios was casting for Doctor Strange, they actually entered advanced negotiations with Joaquin Phoenix to play the titular superhero, though he eventually dropped out amid concerns over the demands of starring in a blockbuster universe.
Benedict Cumberbatch ended up nabbing the role, and that's that.
Would It Have Worked?: There's no denying that Phoenix would've been absolutely fantastic in the role, but it's also easy to see why he declined the part.
One can imagine him getting fed up by the time Doctor Strange 2 rolled around and either quitting the franchise or just showing up for an easy paycheck. Neither of those scenarios would do anybody any favours.
Cumberbatch is a wonder in the role, and Phoenix now gets to try his hand at something weirder and less taxing on his time: a one-off Joker movie.