I admit, the following post is pretty fan-fiction heavy, but its something that I’ve been thinking about for a while.  Do I really think that Marvel Studios would do something so crazy? Not really - but I think it’s food for thought.

Anyway - as the Marvel Cinematic Universe grows, its clear that three things will happen:

1. Fans will continue to want their favorite characters in movies, whether it’s solo outings for Captain America and Thor, or group films like The Avengers.

2. The entire universe will culminate in The Avengers 3 - clearly, if they wanted to sign Downey’s rather expensive deal for both a second and third Avengers film, they needed him to wrap things up. Goes with the history of trilogies that the Marvel Cinematic Universe appears to be heading toward - with Iron Man 3 serving as the “last" Iron Man, and subsequent additions of a third Thor and Captain America film.

3. Marvel’s somewhat thrifty nature will require creative changes to the casting of these heroes. Marvel Studios Head Kevin Feige has even described the casting of their heroes to be similar to James Bond - anyone is replaceable.

All of that said, after Phase 3, ending with The Avengers 3, the trilogy ender to end all trilogies, what if they go truly “comic book” with the ending?

Here’s what I’m proposing - and again, I admit this idea is so absolutely insane that I don’t know that Disney would allow Marvel to do it, but it’s not without precedence.

It’s rather clear, given the tease at the end of the first Avengers film, the build of the Infinity gems (as hinted toward at the mid-credits scene of Thor: The Dark World), and the fact that The Avengers: Age of Ultron focuses on a different villain, that The Avengers 3 will be the big throwdown between the lineup of Marvel Heroes and Thanos, in a reality bending battle over the Infinity Gauntlet.

Clearly, however the film ends will result in some major changes for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

But what if this is where Marvel decides to cash out on every single multi-film deal for all the actors they’ve lined up?

What if when the smoke clears, it’s not just the Marvel Cinematic Universe left standing - but a rebooted one?

The ultimate post-credits scene: after The Avengers and Thanos battle through time and reality, we’re shown again the Marvel Heroes standing tall…but each one, a new actor.

That’s right, I’m suggesting they handle the MCU not just like James Bond…but Doctor Who as well.

I admit, I could be totally crazy. But don’t tell me you wouldn’t be excited when the new Cap, Thor and the gang take shape before us in the theater.

Feel free to flame me in the comments on this one - but the idea was so pervasive I couldn’t let it go without sharing to the web.