Plenty of rumors have circulated about who will be the cast of the upcoming Marvel film Doctor Strange. It was a hot topic at Comic-con 2014, as Doctor Strange movie cast rumors swirled, especially when Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch was asked whether in fact he was set to star in the upcoming movie.

But news of a more concrete from came today on the Doctor Strange movie cast of characters. Apparently, Joaquin Phoenix is deep in negotiations to play Doctor Strange. According to the reports, it is still not yet final whether the Gladiator actor will be the next Doctor Strange, but sources say that the deal is much closer to a conclusion as was previously believed.

If this is so, Doctor Strange movie cast rumors can come to a rest, and we can all concentrate on wondering what the cast of this new Marvel movie will be about.

All we know for sure is that the Doctor Strange movie will be directed by Scott Derrickson (who directed Sinister and The Exorcism of Emily Rose). Doctor Strange is an ex neurosurgeon who also holds the key role of Sorcerer Supreme. Which means he is the earth's shield and protector against any supernatural threats.

The character of Doctor Strange was first created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko for Marvel more than 50 years ago, and he first debuted in Strange Tales No. 110

If Joaquin Phoenix is indeed cast as Doctor Strange, then what about the rumors surrounding fan favorite and Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch? Well, in an interview with MTV during the 2014 Comic-con, the actor himself denied the speculations, but still left a window of opportunity just a crack open.

"As far as I'm aware, even if that was the case, it couldn't work out because I'm doing a little play called Hamlet in London," Cumberbatch told MTV. "So I don't think I could even if that was in the cards. It sounds like a fantastic project. It's a shame if I miss out, but who knows?"