Marvel Looking at Ewan McGregor for DOCTOR STRANGE
At one point Marvel was deep in discussions with Joaquin Phoenix to take on the role of the Sorcerer Supreme in Scott Derrickson's feature film adaptation of Doctor Strange. Those talks eventually broke down, and Phoenix walked away from the project. Then a rumor hit that Ethan Hawke had been cast in the role, but there's been no confirmation of that. Now, thanks to Badass Digest, we have learned that the studio is looking at Ewan McGregor to potentially take on the part.
The site, who has proven to have reputable sources, says, "a new source contacted me and said that Ewan McGregor had been prepping for the role - doing the usual research actors do when looking at taking on an adaptation or existing character. I contacted one of my usual sources and asked if this was true, and I was told 'They're looking at him.'"
So it seems as though the studio has not cast Hawke and that McGregor has been added to a list of actors that they are considering casting. I would have loved to see Phoenix in the part, I think he would have been awesome, but now Marvel is back to the drawing board when it comes to the casting for the lead role.
I think McGregor is definitely an interesting choice. I don't really envision him as Strange, but he is an incredibly talented actor, and if he did end up being cast in the role I'm sure he would pull it off brilliantly.