A few days ago, Joaquin Phoenix announced he wouldn't be playing the role of "Doctor Strange."

For fans of the series, it seemed like a disappointment to lose such a great actor who is recognized as one of the best in the business. However, for fans of the actor it did not seem like a surprise.

Phoenix is one of the most enigmatic and unpredictable actors in the business. Last week at the New York Film Festival press conference for "Inherent Vice", Phoenix opted not to speak to the press and instead sat down quietly. The year before, the actor did the same thing at the "Her" and "The Immigrant" press conferences as well.

If that wasn't enough, a few years ago Phoenix pulled a stunt for a documentary entitled "I'm Still Here." He pretended to quit acting, opting to start a career as a rapper.

The actor's erratic behavior does not seem like the type of person Marvel would want promoting its films. While the studio has been lucky to get actors of the highest quality, each one has been willing to promote the films at major events. Phoenix is undoubtedly one of the best actors around, but based on his recent behavior, he would definitely not give Marvel the press necessary for "Doctor Strange."

It is also important to note that the actor has been very specific with the directors he works with since his comeback in 2012.

Phoenix has worked with Spike Jonze, James Gray, Paul Thomas Anderson and Woody Allen. All of the films he has chosen have been critical darlings and they are all directed by auteurs that are well respected in the industry.

Scott Derrickson is not considered an auteur director even though he has made an accomplished career directing horror flicks. However, none of his films have actually been received to universal acclaim.

There is no doubt that "Doctor Strange" will be a solid film as all the Marvel films have managed that feat. But for Phoenix, it always seemed like a stretch. Phoenix has never really done an action movie. And he is not the kind of actor who seems interested in the hoopla of Hollywood. He even denounced the awards season in 2012 when he was seen as a frontrunner to win best actor for his turn in "The Master."

With Phoenix out, Marvel will have to search for a new Doctor Strange. At this point a number of actors are already rumored. These include Tom Hardy, who has already starred in "The Dark Knight Rises," and Benedict Cumberbatch, who has become recognized for his work on the hit series "Sherlock."

Jared Leto is also in the mix, but like Phoenix, he is not known for action movies. He also announced after winning the Oscar for his work on "Dallas Buyers Club" that he would take a year off from acting. It's been almost a year since he won the Oscar and he has yet to announce his upcoming film, as he has been concentrated on his band "30 Second to Mars."

Ethan Hawke was also rumored at one point for the role. The actor worked with Derrickson on "Sinister" and that is why it would seem a perfect fit. However, according to his IMDb page he is currently working on four projects.

Marvel plans on releasing "Doctor Strange" on July 8, 2016 with a screenplay written by Joshua Oppenheimer, Thomas Dean Donnelly and Jon Spaihts.

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