The idea of having Ryan Gosling in the MCU is certainly an enticing one, especially to Kevin Feige. The Marvel Studios boss has now responded to Gosling's comments about wanting to play the Marvel Cinematic Universe's version of Ghost Rider.
Ghost Rider is the name of multiple anti-heroes in Marvel Comics, the first one notably being stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze. The character first received a movie in 2007 with Nicolas Cage in the titular role (also starring Gosling's longtime partner, Eva Mendes, as Roxanne Simpson). A sequel titled Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance was released in 2012. Both films received poor reviews from critics.
After Gosling revealed to Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused that Ghost Rider is the one superhero he wants to play, Feige was able to take some time during San Diego Comic-Con to respond to Gosling's comments. "Hey man, if Ryan wants to be Ghost Rider…,” Feige told MTV News when he learned about Gosling’s pitch. "Gosling's unbelievable. Ryan is amazing…I’d love to find a place for him in the MCU. He’s dressed up as Ken on Venice Beach and gets more press than giant movies coming out that weekend. It’s amazing."
The Walking Dead's Norman Reedus, who played the fan-favorite character Daryl in the series, has also hinted at his interest in playing Ghost Rider. Gosling and Reedus are certainly two great candidates, especially when both actors have tapped into rugged roles in their filmography (for Gosling, a prime example of this is The Place Beyond the Pines). There were also rumors circulating of Gosling filling the role of Nova/Richard Rider, the hero who is a member of the intergalactic police force known as the Nova Corps, for which he gained powers including enhanced strength, resistance to injury, and flight. However, Gosling quickly shut down the speculation.
While a Ghost Rider film (or series) is not slated for the MCU's phases 5 and 6, with the introduction of Mahershala Ali's Blade and more supernatural elements, fans shouldn't rule out the possibility of a project being greenlit just yet. Until more news surfaces, fans can see Gosling play another action hero in Netflix's The Gray Man. The Russo Brothers directed film released just last weekend and has already been given the green light for a sequel and a spin-off.
Ghost Rider (2007) is available to stream on Hulu.
Source: MTV News