Joaquin Phoenix poses during a photocall for the film "We Own the Night" during the 60th International Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, Friday, May 25, 2007. (Calo-MF/Abaca Press/MCT)As the Marvel Cinematic Universe prepares to launch its third “Phase” following the release of next year's “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the studio has been fairly tight-lipped about what films they will be releasing in the coming years. Previously established franchises such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Captain America” have confirmed sequels on the schedule, but not much has been announced as far as new franchises. “Ant-Man” is in the middle of filming (though it did lose director Edgar Wright in a surprising manner this summer), and a stand-alone picture for comic book fan-favorite hero Doctor Strange is confirmed. “Sinister” director Scott Derrickson has been signed onto helm the film, with Joaquin Phoenix rumored to be in deep talks for the role.
But why Joaquin? I have nothing against Mr. Phoenix — he’s an outstanding actor — but he is notorious for tending to stray away from big-budget pictures in favor of smaller budget, independent films. If it were up to me, the role would go to someone else. Here are the five actors I would choose from to play the titular Sorcerer Supreme.
5. Jon Hamm
The “Mad Men” actor has proven that he has the acting chops to take on a lead role in a well-known property, and with the show ending, his schedule is bound to be opening up a bit. While known for more serious roles, he has shown on occasion that he can take on solid comedic roles as well, something that is a must as Doctor Strange is a character who borders on the verge of super serious and silly. Don't forget the fact that Hamm has a strong on-screen presence and off-screen personality, and he could be a perfect fit to take a character that isn’t a household name and turn it into one.
4. Benedict Cumberbatch
The “Sherlock” actor has the personality to fit the part and is a well-respected, well-known actor who could easily fill the shoes of the character. Cumberbatch’s well-known name and solid track history could help assure the movie to be a financial success, as fans of Cumberbatch’s work in “Sherlock,” "Star Trek" and “The Hobbit” films would surely flock out to see him. Although he may not look the part, he would be a solid bet from a financial standpoint, and it would be interesting to see what the actor could do to put his stamp on the character.
3. Viggo Mortensen
While the actor, like Phoenix, has taken more to independent films than studio films with massive budgets following his appearance in the original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, it would be nice to see him change things up and take a role that could send him back to the top of the A-list of actors in Hollywood. Mortensen’s films tend to lean towards an older, more mature audience, and that could be just the thing Marvel needs to make a character who could seem silly to older audiences more appealing. Mortensen plays a great villain, and it would also be a nice change of pace to see him play a hero by tackling the role of a well-known superhero.
2. Oded Fehr
Most likely the least known and most underrated actor on this list, Fehr is best known for his turn as Ardeth Bay, the Medjai chieftain from “The Mummy” and “The Mummy Returns.” The Israeli actor has recently appeared on USA Network’s “Covert Affairs,” and could help add diversity to a Marvel lineup that consists almost entirely of Caucasian, American men. Strange’s personality is a large one, and Fehr has proven that he is able to take on the role of a badass hero type given his work in the “Mummy” films. Add to this that he looks as close to the character as anyone else in contention, and it’s definitely worth it for Marvel to take a look at him and consider him for the role.
1. Aidan Gillen
Quite simply, the “Games of Thrones” actor is perfect for the role. He’s Irish, which would also help add diversity to the lineup of heroes; he has the look down (Littlefinger’s goatee is just a little more than half-way to where the Sorcerer Supreme’s facial accessory is); and he has proven through his work on “Game of Thrones” that he’s more than capable of playing a smart, mysterious figure. I’ve heard comic book fans argue that Gillen's accent would detract from the character, as Strange’s backstory involves him being from New York, but I whole-heartedly disagree. Allowing his accent to shine through would make light of Gillen’s Irish roots as well as make the character that much more mysterious and ominous. While the chances of the actor getting the role are slim-to-none because of his “Game of Thrones” shooting schedule, it would be great to see a lesser known actor get the chance to rise to fame along with the lesser-known character he would be portraying.
Reach the reporter at seweinst@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @S_Weinstein95
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