There have been a lot of Doctor Strange casting rumors over the last few months, but now there’s a new report claiming that Marvel is still assessing a short list and that that short list currently includes Jared Leto, Oscar Isaac, Matthew McConaughey, Ewan McGregor, Jake Gyllenhaal and Ethan Hawke.
Per usual, nothing is official and we must treat this as a rumor, but after those negotiations with Joaquin Phoenix broke down, it makes sense for the studio to take a step back and assess the other options. Hit the jump for additional details on each one.
Leto’s name first popped up back in June and now that Phoenix is out, Variety reports that Leto is “aggressively pursuing the mystical part.” As for Isaac, the outlet also claims that Marvel has had an “inside look at his Jedi prowess” in Star Wars: Episode VII, so he’s still in consideration. Jedi prowess or not, Isaac’s work in Inside Llewyn Davis should be enough to get him just about any role he wants.
Next on this list is McConaughey. Even if Marvel went for him, he might be too busy to take the part, but apparently Marvel believes that after catching Phoenix’s notoriously picky eye, they “can get anyone in the room.” McGregor is another one who’s got a lot on his plate right now. Jane Got a Gun is finally done, he’s got three films in post-production, one that’s currently filming and another three titles in development as well. But hey, it’s Marvel and the guy could use a new tentpole. Jack the Giant Slayer didn’t hit it as big as Warner Bros. hoped back in 2013, which would make 2009’s Angels & Demons McGregor’s last big budget hit.
A name we haven’t discussed for the part is Gyllenhaal. He’s on a bit of a hot streak right now with the success of Prisoners and Nightcrawler getting some positive buzz. And lastly there’s Hawke, another contender who’s been in the mix for a while.
What do you think? It’s hard to turn down talent like Hawke, Isaac and Gyllenhaal in particular, but ever since news broke that McGregor has a shot, I’ve been hooked on the idea. However, McGregor is currently in The Real Thing on Broadway and that doesn’t wrap up until January 4, 2015. Doctor Strange is set for a July 8, 2016 release, so that might be cutting it close.
