What the MCU’s Ghost Rider project can learn from previous adaptations
We’ve seen several versions of the Ghost Rider on the small and big screen screens over the years, but never did we think the character would appear in the MCU…
Okay, yes, Ghost Rider is technically a character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe thanks to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, but the character has never been referenced within the main franchise on the big-screen. But it seems like that could be about to change.
As Daniel Richtman (through The Direct) has revealed, a project featuring the fire-headed Inhuman, might be headed for the MCU under Kevin Feige.
More Than One And The Abandoned Television Spin Off
Fans of Nicolas Cage might recall that the actor portrayed Johnny Blaze in two films not associated with Marvel Studios. Then, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D used the other version of Ghost Rider, Robbie Reyes despite the fact that OG version appearing in one episode played by another actor.
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Before Marvel Television got shut down, there was plans to create a spin-off series for Hulu using the Reyes Ghost Rider where Gabriel Luna would’ve reprised his role. However, with a lot of the MCU’s Phase 4 moving in the realm of streaming series, now might be the time to bring more supernatural elements to the franchise.
What Would A Potential Ghost Rider Project Learn From Its Predecessors?
The first Nicolas Cage Ghost Rider got nominated for a Razzie Award for Worst Actor. After the release of the second film, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Cage allegedly said he was “done” playing the character of Johnny Blaze. What didn’t help matters is that this film received two Razzie nominations and the sequel got canned.
So, what could be done to improve a new Ghost Rider project? Well, the first thing they could do is choose an actor who actually looks like the character and portrays the role in a fashion closer to the comic books. A second idea could be to hire a writer well-versed with the source material – one that can pull from it and doesn’t just invent original characters for the sake it.
As for story, it would be pretty cool if they didn’t focus on just one Ghost Rider. They could use Reyes and Blaze effectively while also managing to give them both equal standing as the antihero.
Joining The MCU’s Supernatural Heroes
The MCU is slowly adding more supernatural entities to its lineup. Doctor Strange was the first to really make a huge splash in the franchise as he got his own solo film. Scarlet Witch is yet to take center stage but will get her chance to shin in the upcoming WandaVision series on Disney+. Blade will also be joining in his own movie starring Mahershala Ali sometime in Phase Five. Moon Knight is also going to added in his own series.
Scarlet Witch is bringing the flaws of reality warping, Doctor Strange is bringing the overall magical elements and Blade is bringing vampires; Ghost Rider would be the perfect addition to add the element of Hell to the MCU.
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What’s your take on how they should bring Ghost Rider into the MCU? Be sure to sound off below!