When it comes to Marvel and turning comics into movies, the rewards have been handsome to say the least. The adventures started with Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, and continued with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, Chris Evans’ Captain America and Scarlett Johnansson’s Black Widow. The list goes on and on, and it includes a well received take on Bruce Banner’s Hulk from Mark Ruffalo. While DC hustles to keep up, Marvel leads the show and this past week, Entertainment Weekly revealed that the legendary comic book hero, Dr. Stephen Strange, could be played by Joaquin Phoenix.
This would be a great fit. Phoenix brings the star power that every big movie desires and the acting power along with it. I am not a comic book addict, but when you think of great comic movie adaptations, producers have looked to a different breed of actor to inhabit famous characters. Think of Downey Jr. on his last leg before becoming Tony Stark. Heath Ledger’s Joker. Tom Hiddleston’s Loki. Sometimes, looking at an Oscar winning actor for a superhero role is the right direction. You need someone whom fans can believe in and not just a name above a poster.
Phoenix went into career hibernation with his raper hoax but has come back strong with Oscar nominated work in The Master and Her. He is a fascinating actor and one that plunges deep into roles. He is intense like Russell Crowe and picky like Daniel Day Lewis.
The Dr. Strange movie idea would be a standalone film, and that is a good plan. Introducing a majestic character like Strange deserves a film for itself before reappearances in subsequent Marvel sequels.
If anyone can bring a quirky smart and powerful charismatic doctor to the big screen, it’s Phoenix.
This, movie and comic fans, is a deal that needs to be closed.
What are your thoughts on Phoenix as Dr. Strange? Share them in the comments below.
well that would be a surefire way to get me NOT to see the film. can’t stand him.