Actor Joaquin Phoenix has dropped out of negotiations to play the title role in Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange.

The Her star became the frontrunner to play the Sorcerer Supreme in July (14), but he has since exited talks.

Studio bosses are now looking to replace Phoenix, and insiders reveal Tom Hardy and Jared Leto, who were previously in the mix of actors executives were looking at, are at the top of the wish list again, according to Deadline.com.

Ethan Hawke has also emerged as a potential actor to take on the role.