Despite getting really close to securing his first role in a major franchise, Joaquin Phoenix ended up backing away from Marvel’s Doctor Strange at the last minute. Phoenix never really talked about it, especially since he rarely does interviews, until now.
In an interview with Time Out London to promote Woody Allen’s Irrational Man, Phoenix said that he doesn’t really have anything against franchises, since they have gotten better. While he even suggested that he would take a franchise role, he still doesn’t want to have to make compromises.
“When I was younger I was probably a bit of a snob about that. But they’ve gotten better,” he said of franchise movies. “I’ve flirted with several of those films, having meetings and getting close, but ultimately it never felt like they’d really be fulfilling. There were too many requirements that went against my instincts for character.”
Phoenix continued, “I’ve been spoiled. I’ve never had to make those compromises. I’ve not met a director yet with one of those films where we go through the script, they say: ‘You know what, f**k this set-piece, let’s focus on the character!” I understand, but it’s best I don’t do it.’”
The part of Doctor Strange ended up going to Benedict Cumberbatch, even after months of speculation that Phoenix was this close to signing on. But it sounds like the three-time Oscar nominee is too comfortable making movies with top-notch directors.
Interestingly, his next project is an untitled movie M. Night Shyamalan is working on. Shyamalan previously directed Phoenix in Signs and The Village.
image courtesy of Peter West/ACE/INFphoto.com