Phoenix230.jpgIn news of the weird joining the weirder, Joaquin Phoenix is in talks to star in a film about the rise of a religion that closely resembles Scientology, Variety reports.

Much like Scientology, Phoenix is no stranger to controversy. He announced in 2008 that he was “retiring” from acting. That statement has been questioned because Phoenix’s supposed rap career was actually being filmed for Casey Affleck’s faux-documentary I’m Still Here. Phoenix hasn’t had a major U.S. theatrical release since Reservation Road in 2007.

See what other quirky actor is signed on for the flick after the jump.