Marvel Studios has long sought to bring its supernatural characters into its cinematic universe. They were able to with popular characters like Doctor Strange and much more niche characters like Werewolf by Night. However, staple characters like Blade have been in development hell for several years since the announcement of Mahershala Ali in the title role. Another character that the studio has wanted to bring back to the screen was Ghost Rider. The character was originally played by Nicholas Cage in the early 2000s before the rights reverted back to Marvel. They kinda hinted at his existence by introducing his arch-villain Mephisto (played by Sacha Baron Cohen) in last year’s Ironheart TV series. As well as discussing the character’s cameo appearance in 2023’s Deadpool & Wolverine before being cut.
Now, actor Ryan Gosling (Fall Guy, Barbie) has been vocal about his love for the character and his desire to bring it back to the MCU. However, while the actor confirms he has actually met with Marvel Studios, it seems “complicated” to get it done. “I don’t know what to say. We keep hope alive. Some discussions have been had. It’s a complicated situation.” It’s unknown if the role would be a supporting role in the long-rumored Midnight Sons movie or if he would get his own solo project. At least the studio is considering bringing the Spirit of Vengeance into the fold, but most likely after Doctor Strange 3 or Blade. Fans have also fancast actors like Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead) and Keanu Reeves (John Wick) for the role, but Gosling seems more in line with what Marvel is looking for. It should be noted that Ghost Rider was originally going to appear in Avengers: Doomsday before the character was cut.
