New fan art ofKeanu Reevesas Ghost Rider gives the actor his dream superhero in theMarvel Cinematic Universe. Reeves has gone through a career renaissance thanks to theJohn Wickfranchise. The movie series has cemented Reeves' potential as an action star, and while the MCU’s Punisher role, which would have been perfect for the actor, is already taken by Jon Bernthal,Reeves' Marvel dream role is Ghost Rider. The actor has wanted to play the character since he was a kid, and the MCU could make it happen.
On Instagram,@21xfourshared fan art of Keanu Reeves as the MCU’s Ghost Rider, bringing the star’s childhood Marvel dream role to life.
The artist depicts Reeves as the Johnny Blaze version of Ghost Rider, wearing a black leather jacket while a flaming skull menacingly stands next to his face. The Robbie Reyes Ghost Rider appeared in Marvel’sAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.for an arc. However, since the show’s canon status has yet to be confirmed by Marvel, there is no Ghost Rider in theMCU’s movies and series. After having talks in the past,Reeves' MCU rolecould be Johnny Blaze.
What Ghost Rider’s Debut Could Mean For The MCU?
Marvel Studios Can Expand The MCU
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.aside, Ghost Rider has almost appeared in the MCU. The character could have been in one of the franchise’s biggest movies, as Ryan Reynolds revealed thatGhost Rider was considered for Deadpool & Wolverine. However, it would not have been a new version of him, as the Deadpool film would have brought back Nicolas Cage as Ghost Rider. The actor’s movies as the character were not really successful, so having Cage back as Ghost Rider inDeadpool & Wolverinewould most likely have been only for some multiverse fun, not to have him fully join the MCU.
I’ve Changed My Mind, I’m Glad Deadpool & Wolverine Scrapped Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider Cameo
Deadpool & Wolverine considered including Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider, and months later, I believe that scrapping the cameo was the right choice.
While Cage did not play Ghost Rider inDeadpool & Wolverine, the character’s MCU debut might not be too far in the future. Marvel has been playing more with magic and supernatural elements during the Multiverse Saga. Projects likeAgatha All Along, which is proving itself quite popular, andWerewolf by Nightcould set up the perfect pocket in the MCU for Ghost Rider to thrive in. Mahershala Ali’s Blade movie will add to that.Ghost Rider’s MCU debut could serve as Marvel’s commitment to its supernatural corner, as the character demands a different setting than most mainstream Marvel heroes.
Our Take On Keanu Reeves' Chances Of Playing The MCU’s Ghost Rider
Marvel Will Likely Go Another Way For The Role
While I would love to see Keanu Reeves play the MCU’s Ghost Rider, I don’t think that it will happen. Reeves has had talks with Marvel for multiple roles in the past, which likely must have included the actor telling Kevin Feige about his childhood dream role. Since Mahershala Ali was cast as Blade after directly approaching Feige about it, I think that Reeves' dream of playing Ghost Rider would have already materialized if Feige thought the actor was the right fit for the role. I think Ryan Gosling has a better shot at the role thanKeanu Reeves.
Ghost Rider
TheGhost Riderfranchise revolves around the Marvel Comics character Ghost Rider, a supernatural anti-hero who gains the ability to transform into a flaming skeletal figure and ride a hellfire-fueled motorcycle. The most famous Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze, is a stunt motorcyclist who makes a deal with the demon Mephistopheles, transforming him into the Ghost Rider to battle evil spirits. The franchise includes two films starring Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze, exploring his fight against demonic forces and his internal struggle with the curse.
