Doctor Strange: 9 Big Implications For Phase 3 And Beyond

2. Strange Is The New Stark

Doctor Strange Infinity Stone
Marvel

There are a number of parallels to Iron Man in Doctor Strange: the lead character is rich, arrogant, and chock-full of charisma; both protagonists get gravely injured in order to begin their major transformations; they're self-contained but with hints at the wider universe; and they both make some interesting facial hair choices.

Mostly, though, is the fact that in Benedict Cumberbatch they may finally have found the man to take over the reigns from Robert Downey Jr.

RDJ remains Marvel's most bankable star, but he's not going to be around forever. While the likes of Chrises Evans and Hemsworth are great, they don't have that same pull. Cumberbatch probably does.

Strange is setup to lead the next generation of Marvel heroes, and in Cumberbatch they've got an actor with the charisma, swagger, talent, and recognisable name to be the true heir apparent to Downey Jr.

Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.