The Marvel Cinematic Universe could be bringing back one of its most iconic characters to the screen. Recent whispers circulating on social media indicate Ryan Gosling, following the success of Barbie and The Fall Guy, could be taking on the Ghost Rider role. Though Marvel Studios hasn’t officially confirmed the casting, fan speculation and reputable industry insiders suggest that perhaps something might be building in the background.
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Rumor: Ryan Gosling is Eyed to be Cast as Ghost Rider in Avengers: Doomsday
The rumor started with a now-deleted tweet by X account @rejectedscooper, making a bold statement that “Ryan Gosling will play Ghost Rider in the MCU.” Even though the source was questionable and the tweet was quickly deleted, fans caught wind of the idea and took off with it.
Soon after, another update claimed that Johnny Blaze, the first Ghost Rider in the comics, would be part of a future Ghost Rider & The Midnight Sons project with Gosling in the center. The Midnight Sons, characterized by their supernatural slant, consist of characters such as Blade, Moon Knight, and Doctor Strange, pointing towards a darker path for the MCU.
What the Insiders Are Saying
Well-known scooper @MyTimeToShineHello added more fuel to the rumors, stating that Marvel is indeed eyeing Gosling for Ghost Rider, and specifically for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Insider Jeff Sneider also asserted on a recent episode of The Hot Mic podcast that he has heard that the studio is indeed casting the character in good faith now. He also stated Nicolas Cage, who notoriously portrayed the character in the early 2000s, will not be reprising.
Sneider affirmed that Johnny Blaze is still the primary version of the character, although there are multiple versions in the Marvel universe, including Danny Ketch, Alejandra Jones, and Robbie Reyes. He was previously played by Gabriel Luna in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Gosling’s Interest Is Real
What makes this so exciting is that Ryan Gosling has openly stated he wants to play the character. He listed Ghost Rider as his ideal Marvel role in an interview back in 2022. He again said so in 2024 while promoting The Fall Guy, prompting Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige to respond with, “Ryan is great. I’d love to find a spot for him in the MCU.”
That level of mutual interest goes beyond mere speculative fan casting. Gosling’s interest, combined with Marvel’s seeming desire to cast him, makes this rumor more probable than the vast majority of them.
Timing May Be Everything
Gosling’s scheduling might be the holdup. He’s already committed to Star Wars: Starfighter, a starring role that would take up a lot of his time. But since Avengers: Doomsday is now being planned through December 2026, there could be sufficient room for Gosling to fit in a Ghost Rider cameo. Even a cameo in Doomsday would lay the groundwork for bigger roles in Secret Wars, planned for December 2027.
It would also align with Marvel’s long-term plans for Ghost Rider. The studio reportedly wishes to place the character in a more cosmic, supernatural setting, perhaps in a Midnight Sons crossover. That kind of storyline would bring together horror-influenced heroes like Blade, Moon Knight, and possibly even Daredevil.
Why Gosling Is a Good Fit
Ryan Gosling’s range as an actor makes him an ideal choice for an equally complex character like Ghost Rider. His intense, action-driven performances in Drive and The Gray Man, and the emotional depth he brought to Blue Valentine and La La Land, prove that Gosling can deliver layered, charismatic characters.
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Ghost Rider is not just about flaming chains and vengeance, he’s a guy tormented by his own powers and battling the devil within. Gosling’s intensity and restraint could give the character the gravitas it needs.
And to put the cherry on top, Marvel is obviously leaning into darker territory. With Deadpool & Wolverine and Daredevil: Born Again fully embracing that R-rated material, Ghost Rider just seems like the inevitable fit. His combination of supernatural horror and moral struggle is exactly what the MCU appears to be shifting towards.
The Competition for the Position
Though Gosling’s is the first name mentioned, he is not the sole interested actor in portraying the Spirit of Vengeance. The Walking Dead star, Norman Reedus, also seems a perfect fit for Ghost Rider. Fans who have been following him for a long time know his passion for motorcycles. Reedus also made it public in 2021 that he would be keen on portraying Ghost Rider.
Gabriel Luna, who portrayed Robbie Reyes in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., has also made it clear that he would be keen on reprising his role if the opportunity arises. We can see that there is clearly a lot of demand for this character, but Gosling’s popularity, ability, and wide-eyed idealism place him in a spot that’s difficult to ignore.
Final Thoughts
While it remains a rumor that Ryan Gosling could portray Ghost Rider, it’s far from baseless. With some insiders hinting at the character’s return, a potential Avengers: Doomsday appearance, and Gosling’s past interest, there’s certainly something in the works.
Marvel fans have been waiting for years for Ghost Rider to blaze his way into the MCU. Whether Gosling rides the Hell Cycle or not is to be seen, but one thing looks to be a certainty: Marvel is prepared to explore its darker side, and Ghost Rider is just the type of character who can lead that charge.
The fandom is right now split between Ryan Gosling and Norman Reedus as the top contenders for Ghost Rider, but only time will tell who claims the Hell Cycle.
