Apparently the deal that would see Joaquin Phoenix star as the title character in Marvel’s Doctor Strange film has fallen through (see "Joaquin Phoenix in Talks for 'Doctor Strange'"), Deadline is reporting.  A new star will have to be cast soon, as the plan is to start filming next spring (see "'Doctor Strange' to Shoot in U.K.").
 
There were several major names being thrown around by Hollywood press sites, including Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jared Leto, with little indication that there was a leading contender.  Reports that Ethan Hawke had made a deal with Marvel for the role were false, according to Deadline.