For a time it looked like Jared Leto was the popular choice for Doctor Strange, but that seemed to die out when Phoenix entered negotiations. Leto is apparently still "aggressively pursuing" the role, especially now that Phoenix is out. But Marvel may have their eye on his Dallas Buyers Club co-star, Matthew McConaughey, thinking they can pretty much get anybody they want. It doesn't sound like McConaughey has been made any offers or anything like that, and given his busy schedule it's doubtful he could fit a long-term deal with Marvel in.
Given McGregor's ties to the Star Wars universe it's no surprise Marvel/Disney would be looking at him as a possibility, but one new name also has ties to the galaxy far far away. Oscar Isaac, who many think will play a Jedi in Star Wars: Episode VII, is also on their radar. Would the busy actor be willing to commit to another major franchise for Disney? He'd make for a great, outside-the-box pick for Doctor Strange, but so too would Jake Gyllenhaal and Ethan Hawke, also up for the role. Gyllenhaal, who has been spending time exploring his dark side in Prisoners, Enemy, and Nightcrawler, is said to be "interested" in playing a superhero. He hasn't had a tentpole gig since Prince of Persia, and that didn't tun out so well. As for Hawke, he may have the inside track after working with director Scott Derrickson on Sinister. This isn't the first time his name has come up for the role but he was written off as unlikely, but that was obviously premature.
I guess this means we can count Jack Huston and Edgar Ramirez out? So lots to choose from here, but my money is on McGregor or Gyllenhaal. McGregor has the name recognition and experience, plus he's reasonably young at 43. Gyllenhaal is younger, is also a household name, and has been trying to get into a superhero movie since he almost snagged the Spider-Man role for Sam Raimi years ago. Whoever they choose, Marvel should have Doctor Strange in theaters in 2016.
