Joaquin Phoenix

Long before Benedict Cumberbatch took on the role of Doctor Strange, Joaquin Phoenix came very close to being the sorcerer supreme.

In fact, the 49-year-old actor had entered talks in 2014 with director Scott Derrickson, before he eventually decided the role wasn’t for him.

Reflecting on the situation, the ‘Joker’ star said: "I've flirted with several of those films, having meetings and getting close, but ultimately it never felt like they'd really be fulfilling.”