Joaquin Phoenix is one of the finest actors in his industry, celebrated for his incredible roles, particularly his Oscar-winning performance as the Joker. Being a highly sought-after actor in Hollywood, it is not surprising that the actor was approached by the epic Marvel Cinematic Universe to potentially play two different roles. However, the actor flat-out rejected the offer because he couldn’t hang on to all the commitments that came with the role.
Joaquin Phoenix rejected Marvel’s role over commitment concerns
Joaquin Phoenix has established himself as a versatile actor known for his ability to immerse himself in the role he plays. The actor was once considered by Marvel for two iconic roles. He was initially approached about taking over the role of the Hulk from Edward Norton in The Avengers, but the part ultimately went to Mark Ruffalo instead.
Marvel also offered him to play the mighty scorers’ role, Doctor Strange, where Phoenix was their top pick. However, the actor turned down both because he was reluctant to sign a multi-movie contract and was concerned about the long-term responsibility and commitment tied to the roles. Later, the role subsequently went to Benedict Cumberbatch and Phoenix ended up playing DC’s Joker, which became a defining role in his whole career.
Despite declining the roles Joaquin Phoenix values the impact of Marvel in the industry
In a 2022 interview with Female First, the actor stated that he didn’t regret turning down Marvel roles and admitted he loves their movies. Despite his inability to come to an agreement, both the actor and the franchise parted ways amicably.
“I think that everybody was, is… I’m trying to figure out how to say this most diplomatically, okay… I think everybody was really happy with how things turned out. All parties were satisfied”.
Phoenix also emphasized that he didn’t reject the roles because he didn’t like them. He expressed his appreciation for Marvel’s work and asserted that their movies are quite relevant to the film industry.
“I think they make some great, fun movies. There’s nothing wrong… I’m not a f***ing, like, cinephile. I’m not a snob and I’m totally fine with… I enjoy those movies sometimes, and I think they keep the f***ing industry going in some ways, so I don’t have a problem with it at all”.
Phoenix’s artistic representation in the industry is viewed as the catalyst that chooses challenging roles that are based on artistic merit rather than commercial success. Besides Joker, his role like Theodor Twombly in Her showcased his ability to bring complex and emotionally nuanced characters to life.
Thus, Phoenix’s artistic integrity sets him apart from the actors who prioritize box office numbers and, mainstream appeal. Therefore, it is not surprising that the actor has rejected the Marvel offer.
The highly anticipated sequel of Joker, Joker: Folie à Deux has completed its filming and is expected to release in October 2024. Joaquin Phoenix’s upcoming biopic Napolean, directed by Ridley Scott, will be released in cinemas on November 22, 2023.
Source: Female First
Frequently asked questions
Which MCU roles was Joaquin Phoenix reportedly considered for?
According to the article, Phoenix was reportedly in the mix for two Marvel roles: taking over as the Hulk from Edward Norton (a part that eventually went to Mark Ruffalo), and playing Doctor Strange, for which he was said to be Marvel’s top pick before the role went to Benedict Cumberbatch. Phoenix has publicly acknowledged meeting with Marvel about superhero films over the years.
Why did Joaquin Phoenix turn down the Marvel roles?
The article says Phoenix declined because he was reluctant to commit to a multi-movie contract and was wary of the long-term commitment that franchise roles demand. In a 2022 Female First interview he said everybody was really happy with how things turned out, and added that Marvel makes some great, fun movies that he enjoys.
What happened to the Hulk and Doctor Strange roles instead?
Mark Ruffalo took over as the Hulk, debuting in The Avengers (2012), while Benedict Cumberbatch was cast as Doctor Strange, first appearing in the 2016 film. Phoenix instead went on to play the title role in DC’s Joker (2019), winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for that performance.
