The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) may soon welcome a fiery new anti-hero, as rumors intensify about Ryan Gosling taking on the role of Ghost Rider in Avengers: Doomsday. While Marvel Studios has yet to confirm the casting, reliable industry insiders and past comments from Gosling himself have fueled excitement about the Spirit of Vengeance blazing his way into the franchise.
Marvel Studios Reportedly Targeting Ryan Gosling for Ghost Rider
According to well-known scooper @MyTimeToShineHello, Marvel Studios has its eyes set on Ryan Gosling to portray Ghost Rider in Avengers: Doomsday. The report was echoed by insider Jeff Sneider on The Hot Mic podcast, where he claimed Marvel is actively casting for the character, confirming, “I am hearing Ghost Rider is going to be in Doomsday.”
This new Ghost Rider will not be a continuation of Nicolas Cage’s Johnny Blaze from the 2007 film. Instead, Marvel is launching a fresh take, likely for Earth-616, similar to how Tom Holland’s Spider-Man was introduced in Captain America: Civil War.
Ryan Gosling Has Expressed Interest in the Role
Ryan Gosling, known for his performances in Barbie, La La Land, and The Fall Guy, has previously voiced interest in joining the MCU — particularly as Ghost Rider. While promoting The Fall Guy in 2024, he said in an interview, “I told Josh I would like to play Ghost Rider.”
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige responded enthusiastically to Gosling’s interest: “Ryan is amazing. I’d love to find a place for him in the MCU.” Gosling later called this response “a magical moment” and added, “I would love to [do it], it would be amazing.”
Although Gosling has turned down multiple superhero roles in the past, he emphasized that he was simply waiting for the right character. His connection to Ghost Rider runs deeper than expected — his wife, Eva Mendes, starred alongside Cage in the 2007 Ghost Rider film.
Who Will Ride the Hell Cycle?
While Jeff Sneider did not specify which version of Ghost Rider will appear, the prevailing assumption is that it will be Johnny Blaze — the original and most iconic incarnation. However, other versions from the comics remain possibilities, including Danny Ketch, Alejandra Jones, and Robbie Reyes.
Gabriel Luna, who portrayed Robbie Reyes in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., has publicly expressed interest in reprising the role. Meanwhile, The Walking Dead star Norman Reedus has also thrown his hat in the ring for the part in multiple interviews over the years.
Why Ghost Rider Now?
Ghost Rider first appeared in 1972 as Johnny Blaze, a stunt motorcyclist who makes a deal with the devil and becomes a flaming-skulled vigilante at the sight of evil. The character has been a fan-favorite for decades, blending horror, supernatural, and superhero genres. Armed with a mystical chain and a flaming motorcycle, Ghost Rider punishes the wicked in a visually intense, action-packed style.
With rumors of a Midnight Sons movie in development, Marvel could be positioning Ghost Rider as a key member of a darker, supernatural team alongside Blade, Moon Knight, and possibly even Elsa Bloodstone. Including Ghost Rider in Avengers: Doomsday would be an ideal way to reintroduce the character before spinning him off into future projects.
Timing Could Work in Gosling’s Favor
One potential hurdle could be Gosling’s busy schedule. He is reportedly attached to Star Wars: Starfighter, which may overlap with Marvel’s production timeline. However, with Avengers: Doomsday now delayed to December 18, 2026, and Avengers: Secret Wars arriving on December 17, 2027, there’s sufficient time to accommodate Gosling’s filming needs.
If cast, Gosling could potentially appear in both major crossover events, establishing Ghost Rider as a central figure in the Multiverse Saga’s climax.
Will Gosling Become the MCU’s Spirit of Vengeance?
Though nothing is official yet, the pieces seem to be falling into place. Ryan Gosling’s interest, Kevin Feige’s support, and Marvel’s reported casting efforts all point toward a big debut for Ghost Rider in Avengers: Doomsday. Whether Gosling ends up sealing the deal remains uncertain, but fans are already picturing the Academy Award nominee riding a flaming motorcycle and unleashing hellfire on evil.
Until Marvel makes an official announcement, all we can do is wait — and hope that the Spirit of Vengeance finds its next rider.
Also Read: Marvel Delays “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Secret Wars” as Studio Regroups
He’d be a good choice, still kinda hope that Nic Cage might return, that’d be fun.