Joaquin Phoenix is in early talks to star in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” sources confirm.

Deal is far from complete but insiders confirm that Phoenix is strongly considering the superhero role, which had previously been linked to Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy.

Scott Derrickson is directing with Jon Spaihts currently rewriting the script.

The pic will be produced by Marvel chief Kevin Feige and could be featured at Saturday’s Comic-Con presentation in San Diego, which is already expected to include the cast of “The Avengers.”

Executive producers on “Doctor Strange” are Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Alan Fine, Stan Lee and Stephen Broussard.

The comicbook follows a former neurosurgeon who serves as the “Sorcerer Supreme” — the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats. Strange made his first appearance in the 1963 comicbook series “Strange Tales” and would go on to have his own comicbook series and would appear in several other comicbooks that included “The Fantastic Four,” “Spider-Man” and “Nick Fury.”

Marvel has teased Doctor Strange in several pics including “Thor” and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

Phoenix can be seen next in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Inherent Vice.” He is repped by WME.

Marvel had no comment. The Wrap first reported the news.