After Marvel Studios put out their first film back in 2008, Iron Man was the rock of the franchise. He was the MVP, if you will. Tony Stark appeared in his own films, which brought in a considerable amount of buzz, but he also popped up in other corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was the glue that held it all together. However, it appears that Marvel is looking for a new adhesive. With Phase Three on the horizon, word going around is that the studio is looking for a new character to not only be the new lead franchise in the MCU, but also a new constant that has the ability to show up where he needs to show up.

Enter Doctor Stephen Strange.

According to source close to Comic Book Movie, the House of Ideas has big plans for the good doctor and is hoping to turn ‘Doctor Strange’ into the new ‘Iron Man’ of Phase Three:

“What I can say is that Strange is being groomed to be the next Iron Man. The studio needs a new ‘hub’ character going into Phase 3 and beyond, as there is audience fatigue, aging stars and a need to move from Tony Stark/Iron Man as a ‘hub’ for films.”

While not officially confirmed and on the schedule just yet, news of a Doctor Strange movie has been stirring for quite some time. Then, in January of this year, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed that the Sorcerer Supreme would indeed be standing beside Ant-Man as members of Phase Three. Then lately there has been much speculation about who and what would be involved in a Doctor Strange movie.

But what is it that makes Strange an ideal candidate for a “hub character”? Besides the similarities in facial hair, he’s the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats, so he has the ability to appear in just about every corner of the Marvel Universe in order to keep the planet safe. No matter what realm, galaxy, country, or city needs him, he can be there with the help of his mastery of the mystic arts and his various magical artifacts such as the Eye of Agamotto.

With all these big plans for Doctor Strange, maybe ‘The Avengers 3’ might just turn into ‘The Defenders’ with the mightiest magician in the cosmos leading his own team into battle when the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are unavailable. Admittedly, this is just a pipe dream of mine and it probably won’t happen, but heroes who could pop up in Phase Three (in theory) like Red She-Hulk, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist have all been Defenders. And so has Ant-Man, who’s already on the schedule. It could totally happen!

What do you think about Doctor Strange taking the place of Tony Stark/Iron Man/Robert Downey Jr. as the big movie franchise on campus in the Marvel Cinematic Universe when Phase Three rolls around? Do you think audiences will accept the character and embrace him as they did with Iron Man? Let’s hear your thoughts on this subject in the comment section.