Joaquin Phoenix has been the name people have gone to as far as who might play Doctor Strange in Scott Derrickson's adaptation. While an inspired choice, we've yet to hear much more on that front. About a month ago, it was suggested that Mr. Phoenix might not actually be comfortable with the idea of signing on to a multi-picture deal without scripts that aren't in existence, as well as doing extensive green screen work. That may or may not be the case, but if it is, there are no doubts that Marvel would be continuing their search for a sorcerer supreme, and they may have just found one in Ethan Hawke.
While Hawke playing Doctor Strange is just speculation at this point, it doesn't take away from the fact that it makes sense. The man's a fantastic actor who's been dabbling in genre pictures for years now. He's age appropriate and worked with director Scott Derrickson in one of the more dread-filled horror flicks in recent memory, SINISTER. There's been a few names tossed around but if Joaquin decides that DOCTOR STRANGE is not for him, I'd be more than happy with Hawke taking on the role.