We might be more than a year away from the release of Avengers: Doomsday, but all expectations are already on it to set a new high for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole. Not only is the anticipated crossover set to feature the comeback of characters we thought were long gone, but it might shock audiences worldwide by introducing new versions of heroes few could've expected. Now that the multiverse is about to break wide open, everything could happen, and anyone could make an unexpected appearance.
Variants of the original X-Men introduced in the 2000 movie are bound to make their cinematic debut, as revealed by the Avengers: Doomsday casting announcement. If those are kinds of surprises Marvel feels comfortable unveiling ahead of the movie's release, then who knows what else is being saved until the premiere day?
Fortunately, we might've gotten a little glimpse behind the curtain thanks to a new report that claims the actor we've all wanted to see in the MCU will show up in a role that screams "perfect casting".
Marvel wants Ryan Gosling to play Ghost Rider in Avengers: Doomsday
According to industry insider MyTimeToShineHello, Marvel is eyeing Ryan Gosling to play the role of Ghost Rider in Avengers: Doomsday. However, it seems like the casting isn't definitive just yet. The beloved Blade Runner 2049 actor is set to star in yet another Disney project in the form of Star Wars: Starfighter, which could result in scheduling conflicts. After all, Marvel's crossover is currently being filmed, and production for the upcoming Shawn Levy Star Wars film will begin this fall.
Ever since the rights to a live-action Ghost Rider adaptation reverted back from Sony to Marvel Studios in 2013, fans have been asking to see the anti-hero star in his own project set in the larger MCU. That dream partially came true when the character made his debut in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 4, portrayed by Gabriel Luna. Unfortunately, the series wasn't really acknowledged by other MCU movies (as it hasn't officially been confirmed as canon), and Robbie Reyes was never seen again.
Renowned and reliable insider Alex Perez was asked if there could be a chance that Nicolas Cage's Johnny Blaze could make an MCU return, to which he revealed that it's a possibility as Marvel is looking to "bring back for the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga from multiple corners of their media". That could signal that there are plans for Ghost Rider to make an appearance soon. However, if the character were to stay for any longer than one or two movies, a new actor would need to take on the role, and that's where Ryan Gosling would come in.
During an interview with MTV News back in 2022, Ryan revealed that he'd love to work on a superhero project, but he's waiting for the perfect role to come his way. Furthermore, he later revealed he would like to play Ghost Rider. As if that wasn't enough, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed in an interview that he'd love to have the beloved actor join the MCU at some point:
“Gosling’s unbelievable. Ryan is amazing…I’d love to find a place for him in the MCU"
This is one of those rare instances when there's an incredibly popular fan casting online, and both the actor involved and the studio's president agree it would be a great choice. Everybody seems to be onboard with the idea, so with a little bit of luck, it can become a reality moving forward.
It has been reported that the MCU will focus on its supernatural and dark side after the Multiverse Saga comes to an end. Besides, a Midnight Sons movie is reportedly in development. With that in mind, there's no denying that all the stars are aligning for Ghost Rider (and possibly Ryan Gosling) to take over the reins of the MCU in the near future.
Avengers: Doomsday will be released on December 18, 2026.