'Doctor Strange' is set to feature Rachel McAdams alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton. Joaquin Phoenix defended his decision of passing on the lead role offered to him by Marvel.
According to Vanity Fair, Rachel McAdams is the latest to join the star-studded ensemble of the upcoming addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It is unclear, at this point, who she will be portraying. Several speculations pointed to Doctor Strange's comic book love interests including Clea, Victoria Bentley or Morgana Blessing.
The Hollywood beauty confirmed her involvement last September 14, 2015 during promotional rounds for her film 'Spotlight'. McAdams is best known for her roles in several blockbuster hits including 'The Notebook', 'The Time Traveler's Wife', 'Sherlock Holmes', 'The Vow' and 'About Time'. She first made her Hollywood film debut in 2002 with 'The Hot Chick' and moved on to star status in 2004's 'Mean Girls' with Lindsay Lohan.
According to an article by Film School Rejects, McAdams has joined the "strongest" superhero cast in the MCU. It reported that Marvel has managed to gather an impressive ensemble of Hollywood heavy-hitters by casting Emmy-winner Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton as the androgynous Ancient One, and Oscar-nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo. Even Mads Mikkelsen, renowned for playing popular antagonists, is rumored to be attached to the project as the film's main villain.
Joaquin Phoenix almost made it to the strong ensemble as he was previously considered in the title role, according to /Film. However, he ultimately turned down involvement in 'Doctor Strange' as well as other potential blockbusters.
Phoenix explained, "When I was younger I was probably a bit of a snob about [taking on blockbuster roles]. But they've gotten better. 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."
The Oscar-nominee further defended his decision by saying that he wanted full control of characters he would play. He said that he didn't want to fit into a prepared mold given by executives and that he wanted to exercise complete freedom for his work. He admitted that he had been spoiled like that.
'Doctor Strange' is scheduled to be released on November 4, 2016. It is directed by Scott Derrickson and its screenplay adapted for the big-screen by writers Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer. It is a live-action adaptation of a Marvel character of the same name that intends to explore the mysterious supernatural realm of the MCU.
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