'Deadpool & Wolverine' Almost Included Nicholas Cage & Ben Affleck as Ghost Rider & Daredevil

This past summer Marvel Studios released Deadpool & Wolverine to theaters everywhere. The film featured many past cameos of many Fox (and New Line Cinema) legacy characters appearing with their original actors including Weasley Snipes as Blade, Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, Jennifer Garner as Elektra and Dafne Keen as X-23. As well as the first introduction of Channing Tatum as Gambit. Shortly after concept artist Rodney Fuentebella released on Instagram that he was commissioned to draw a final battle sequence with the Deadpool Corps. Surprisingly, the concept art included Ghost Rider and Daredevil.

Now, writer and star Ryan Reynolds confirms an earlier draft of the script included both characters played by returning actors Nicholas Cage and Ben Affleck. Unfortunately, neither one was available to appear in the film due to the roles being larger than a cameo so they were cut. Though, Ben Affleck was seen on set to spend time with his children alongside ex-wife Jennifer Garner.

“They were in early drafts, we had versions of that [sequence], but then as it shook out, you’re sort of looking…We’re trying to make the movie responsibly, as well. It’s a big budget. It’s the biggest budget of any of the Deadpool movies, but you want to give yourself as much constraint, which really I think facilitates asymmetrical thinking and creativity. If you have too much time or too much money, it usually murders that kind of creativity. So, yeah, you’re shrinking things. But we did talk to Nic Cage. We tried to get him, but he was a no-go…. I would’ve loved him.”

It’s unknown if either would be up for reprising their roles in a future crossover event like Avengers: Secret Wars though most would like to see Charlie Cox appear as the current Daredevil in a feature film. Also, many actors have expressed interest in playing Ghost Rider in the MCU including fan-favorites Keanu Reeves, Norman Reedus and surprisingly Ryan Gosling. It’s possible Ghost Rider finally makes his MCU debut in the long rumored Midnight Sons feature film.