Ryan Gosling has met with Marvel Studios executives to discuss the possibility of taking the lead in Doctor Strange - a role that was previously discussed with Joaquin Phoenix. Gosling - who recently became a father for the first time - has until now avoided superhero movies but it seems he may be ready to change his stance.

Ryan GoslingRyan Gosling could star in 'Doctor Strange' after talks with Joaquin Phoenix broke down

Gosling, who appears to be ready to get back into acting after a brief foray into directing, has also met with Summit to discuss The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero and is being courted to star in David Ayer's Suicide Squad, announced earlier today. 

More: Doctor Strange to shoot at Pinewood for 2016 release

Sources say Marvel have been casting a wide net for Doctor Strange, ever since talks with Phoenix broke down. Jared Leto and Justin Theroux are said to be actively chasing the role, while Ethan Hawke and Keanu Reeves are also in contention. The movie is likely to go into production early next year for a release date of July 8, 2016.

Tom HardyCould Ryan Gosling be teaming up with Tom Hardy in David Ayer's Suicide Squad movie?

On the flip side, Houdini - to be directed by Dean Parisot - was originally written for Johnny Depp but the actor decided instead to make a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. 

Ayer's Suicide Squad is based on the DC comic about an antihero team of incarcerated supervillains who act as deniable assets for the United States government. Insiders say Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Tom Hardy are also fielding offers for the move, though Warners had no comment.

More: Warner Bros announces Wonder Woman for 2016, Aquaman for 2018

For the minute, Gosling will be concentrating on Shane Black's The Nice Guys - a sort of 1970s noir that will also star Russell Crowe. Such is the potential of the project, both actors are said to have taken considerable pay-cuts from their usual fees.