Recently we heard word Marvel was considering Joaquin Phoenix for the role of the Hulk in Marvel’s The Avengers movie, which would mean taking over the role from Edward Norton who last played the character in The Incredible Hulk in 2008.
Many began to wonder how this was possible considering Phoenix’s alleged retirement from acting back in October 2008. Yet, many remember how that resulted in word of a mockumentary being shot by his best friend and brother-in-law Casey Affleck.
Turns out, the mockumentary is called I’m Still Here and the film has been picked up by Magnolia Pictures and set for a September 10 release. However, Magnolia is still holding the fact this is a faux documentary clse to the chest with the following synopsis:
A striking portrayal of a tumultuous year in the life of internationally acclaimed actor Joaquin Phoenix. With remarkable access, I’m Still Here follows the Oscar-nominee as he announces his retirement from a successful film career in the fall of 2008 and sets off to reinvent himself as a hip hop musician. Sometimes funny, sometimes shocking, and always riveting, the film is a portrait of an artist at a crossroads. Defying expectations, it deftly explores notions of courage and creative reinvention, as well as the ramifications of a life spent in the public eye.
Keeping up the facade, Affleck and Phoenix were both quoted in an interview in February 2009 in which Phoenix said, “No matter how good it is, people are going to … make fun of me. It’s just impossible. It’s just not going to happen, but I can’t worry about that. What I was focusing on was the song and trying to make the show as good as possible.” He said this while rapping in Vegas and falling off the stage, which was caught in the video you see to the right.
Affleck was also quoted saying, “It’s a really interesting time in his life. I’ve known him for a long time. He’s always made music, he’s always talked about doing this. He’s finally doing it.”
Along with the video of him rapping and falling, I’m sure many of you remember his appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman” as I included above. Well, it was all a part of this mockumentary. So, if you’re wondering if Phoenix will be available for The Avengers and a role as the Hulk, don’t discount it yet although it appears the role may be in the hands of Mark Ruffalo at this point (via Deadline). I suspect we’ll see him back in movies shortly, though I’m not sure when or which ones.
