Marvel's "Doctor Strange" is in its planning stages and rumors on who will be the lead actor in the film has been narrowed down to actors Joaquin Phoenix and the other, Jack Houston.

Collider has reported exclusively that there is no truth to Houston being considered, as the signing of Phoenix is already in its final stages.

"Despite rumors to the contrary, we're hearing that Phoenix is absolutely still in line to play Doctor Strange in the Marvel adaptation, with our source telling us that his contract is essentially at the 1 yard line, about to pass into the endzone."

The site continues to explain that the delay in the finalization isn't that an agreement couldn't be met. Phoenix reportedly wants to "ensure that his Marvel contract doesn't restrict his creative freedom to take on other projects outside the MCU [Marvel Cinematic Universe]."

Talks about a "Doctor Strange" adaption has been a long-standing rumor with possible casting including practically everyone from Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy to Justin Theroux. Most of the actors were ruled out early on due to prior commitments and scheduling conflicts.

Phoenix is a three-time Oscar nominee with major films under his belt including "Walk The Line," "Gladiator" and "Her," to name a few. Collider also noted that such a high caliber actor like Phoenix to lead a series is a first for Marvel, who usually looks to mid-range stars with high-profile actors in supporting roles.

"We're definitely working very hard on trying to figure that out and get the right team in place on that," said Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige previously regarding the existence of "Doctor Strange" in the MCU, per Comic Book Resources.

"His mention was less about, 'We're going to announce it soon, let's put it out there!' and more about, 'No, he's definitely in the MCU'."

This Marvel confirmation along with news that Scott Derrickson is directing while Jon Spaihts has joined the team as a writer are all that's known of the film.

On the release date, it's widely reported that the film is due out July 2016 and will be the next big release following "Captain America 3" in May 2016, says Screen Rant. This seems to be a pretty logical timeline given that production for "Doctor Strange" will begin early next year.

Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange AKA Doctor Strange is a Marvel superhero who was formerly a neurosurgeon and the Sorcerer Supreme, who was mentioned in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier."

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