Ryan Gosling as Ghost Rider: The MCU’s Next Supernatural Sensation!

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The buzz surrounding the potential introduction of Ghost Rider in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is already high, and it’s just been fueled further by Mohd Harris, the administrator of the renowned Instagram account @welove__marvel. He shared fan artwork depicting Ryan Gosling as Ghost Rider, complete with spikes, chains, and leather. In this artwork, half of Gosling’s face is a burning skull, a signature feature of the character, and he stands, both symbolically and literally ablaze, poised to take action and defend the innocent. While Gosling is merely a fan suggestion for Ghost Rider, his portrayal in this art has us strongly believing that he could excel as either Johnny Blaze or Danny Ketch in the MCU.

In 1972, Ghost Rider first appeared in Marvel comics, a creation by Roy Thomas, Gary Friedrich, and Mike Ploog. Nicknamed “the supernatural supreme among superheroes,” the original Ghost Rider is Johnny Blaze, a skilled stunt cyclist. Blaze obtained his demonic powers when he made a pact to give his soul to Mephisto, in essence selling his soul to save his adoptive father’s life. As a result of this bond with the demon Zarathos, Blaze’s body is engulfed by a flame that he can control, and his head transforms into a flaming skull whenever he encounters evil or at night. Nicolas Cage played Johnny Blaze in the 2007 movie “Ghost Rider,” coincidentally starring Eva Mendes, Ryan Gosling’s wife. Cage reprised the role five years later in the sequel “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” (2012).

Gosling May Be a Fan Cast, But He Has the Range and the Resume to Play Ghost Rider for Real

Brad Winderbaum, who oversees Streaming, Television, and Animation at Marvel Studios, mentioned last year his desire to introduce the Danny Ketch version of Ghost Rider into the MCU. Ketch, the long-lost brother of Blaze who transforms into Ghost Rider upon touching a mystical symbol rather than striking a deal with a demon, was the central character in the ’90s “Ghost Rider” comics. Given that Johnny Blaze and Ghost Rider Robbie Reyes have already appeared on screen within Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., it’s understandable why Winderbaum favors Ketch. Moreover, Ketch’s version of Ghost Rider aligns with the Midnight Sons, a group Marvel is currently developing for the big screen, potentially with Ghost Rider serving as the team leader.

As a fervent advocate, I wholeheartedly believe that Ryan Gosling would be an exceptional fit for the role of Ketch. With his status as both a box office heavyweight and an indie favorite, he possesses the versatility needed to breathe life into this complex character. His three Academy Award nominations serve as testament to his acting prowess, making him ideally suited to portray Ketch’s tumultuous background and anchor him within the extraordinary, supernatural setting of the story.

Moreover, Gosling has demonstrated his action chops in blockbuster hits like the modern-day Blade Runner, where he took on the mantle in Denis Villeneuve’s visually stunning Blade Runner 2049. Last year, he even donned a motorcycle helmet for the role of a motorcycle-riding stuntman in The Fall Guy. Currently, he’s gearing up to lead Shawn Levy’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, promising another high-octane, adrenaline-pumping performance.

It’s also worth mentioning that Gosling has yet to make an appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Given the potential for Ketch, particularly if he’s spearheading the Midnight Sons movie, to serve as a gateway for him to join this expansive universe, it seems like a perfect opportunity.

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2025-06-20 22:42