Marvel may have been aiming for the stars when they pursued Joaquin Phoenix to play DOCTOR STRANGE, but it has succeeded in opening the door for more top talent to consider taking the superhero role. Namely, Ryan Gosling. The Hollywood Reporter says that Gosling took a meeting with Marvel Studios regarding DOCTOR STRANGE as well as meeting with Summit regarding the lead in their Houdini film.
Gosling has been linked to the recently announced SUICIDE SQUAD movie being directed by David Ayer. Gosling has long been looked at by studios for franchise potential but the actor has been reluctant to sign a long term contract. The potential for taking the DOCTOR STRANGE lead would put Gosling in the shortlist that also includes Ethan Hawke, Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew McConaughey, Jake Gyllenhaal, Justin Theroux, Ewan McGregor, and Keanu Reeves. These actors have all been linked via rumor for months and yet Marvel has yet to pin down an actor for the part.
Summit is looking for Gosling to replace Johnny Depp who was set to play Houdini but dropped out for PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES. If that film connects with Gosling, he would not be able to take the DOCTOR STRANGE lead as both are slated to shoot next year. The fact that Gosling even met with Marvel is a good sign that this is more than just rumor.
DOCTOR STRANGE is slated to open July 8, 2016.