AceShowbiz -

"Dr. Strange" movie is finally moving forward. While casting and plot remain unknown, Marvel Studios owner Disney has at least set the release date to July 8, 2016. There is no movie scheduled to be released on the same weekend yet.

Things are actually moving fast behind the scene. Production is scheduled to begin at U.K.'s Pinewood Shepperton this fall with filming to start in May 2015. An agreement between Pinewood Shepperton, which was also home to the upcoming "Avengers: Age of Ultron", and Disney, was in the works, THR reported.

Scott Derrickson is already attached to direct the movie from a script by Jon Spaihts. The question remains whether Joaquin Phoenix will take the titular role. Back in August it was reported that the Oscar-nominated actor was in final negotiations to join the film but a month later there were rumors that he was reluctant because he "literally doesn't know if he can work on this kind of movie."

"Dr. Strange" follows a self-centered New York surgeon robbed of his touch after a car accident. After a stint as a wandering derelict, he found his way to a healer in the Himalayas, where he learned to tap into psychic powers to battle evil wizards and other wrongdoers. His mind is his weapon.