Ethan Hawke Came 'As Close as Anybody Could' To Playing Doctor Strange

Well, if you followed comic book film-related news last year, you'll probably know that for a long while, Joaquin Phoenix was 'in-talks' to play the lead role in Marvel's 2016 release of Doctor Strange.  After it was revealed Phoenix's deal with studio had fallen-through, many actors were discussed for the project, including Ethan Hawke (currently an Oscar fave for Boyhood).

As you probably know by now, another Oscar fave this year - Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game) - nabbed the role and will be starring in the flick.  But while sitting down for a recent podcast interview with MTV's Josh Horowitz, Hawke revealed he actually came 'as close as anybody could' to getting the role.  He says a lot of it probably had to do with the film's director, Scott Derrickson, having worked with the actor before for Sinister.

You can listen to the podcast below with Hawke discussing the project.

All I'll add is this:  While I'm sure there are many Ethan Hawke fans out there who are disappointed the actor didn't land the gig, there are plenty more Benedict Cumberbatch fans out there who went nuts that he did.  That dude is like a God among a lot of people, and almost certainly will get a Best Actor nomination, if not win, at the Oscars this year.

Also, ironically enough, both actors took part in this year's The Hollywood Reporter Roundtable - The Actors, which I recently posted about below.

Source:  MTV, Happy Sad Confused