Ryan Gosling has already revealed the Marvel role he would love to play, and the MCU could expand in exciting ways if the actor got his wish.
Ryan Gosling has a dream character to play in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and that role might be just what the franchise needs at the moment. Gosling is one of Hollywood’s most in-demand stars, and coming off an exciting 2023, which saw him deliver a hilarious performance as Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, the actor could be making a career turn, finally playing a superhero. Gosling is rumored to have met with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and signed on for an undisclosed MCU role. So far, there has been no official confirmation of the casting for upcoming MCU projects.
The MCU could use an actor like Gosling. In recent years, the franchise has been receiving more criticism than it faced in the entire Infinity Saga. Some often-mentioned negative aspects include uneven writing, focusing on smaller characters, the lack of a clear roadmap, poor CGI, and more. To course-correct, Disney CEO Bob Iger has revealed that an MCU slowdown is now in effect, with a longer development process for projects that should make them pitch-perfect by the time they are released. Marvel will also focus on major franchises and characters, and that is where Gosling could come in.
Ryan Gosling’s Dream Marvel Role As Ghost Rider Would Expand The MCU’s Supernatural Side
The Actor Was Previously Rumored For Another MCU Role
Gosling has been a popular choice to play Nova for Marvel. Recently, it was confirmed by Marvel Studios’ Head of Streaming, Brad Winderbaum, that a Nova series is in development. While Gosling would make for an excellent Richard Rider, the actor wants to play another Marvel hero. In 2022, Gosling denied rumors that he was in talks or had been cast to play Nova; however, Gosling revealed that he wants to play the MCU’s Ghost Rider. Aside from the Robbie Reyes Ghost Rider in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which is not confirmed as MCU canon, the character has yet to appear.
Gosling’s Ghost Rider would be a great addition to the MCU. Ghost Rider would come at a time when Marvel Studios has started to introduce more supernatural characters, and given his popularity, the Marvel hero would be perfect to serve as one of the faces of that specific corner of the MCU. There are now several new heroes in the MCU, and in order to properly balance them, Marvel could start to work on overarching stories for each specific corner, which could include street-level, cosmic, supernatural, and more. Ghost Rider could introduce Hell and demons to the MCU.
Ryan Gosling’s Ghost Rider Could Lead A New Avengers Replacement With Blade
Marvel Studios Has Already Debuted Several Supernatural Characters
As the Johnny Blaze version of Ghost Rider, Gosling could play a major role in the MCU. Marvel Studios is unlikely to give Gosling anything less than a prominent part if he were to join the MCU, and with fans clamoring for more team-ups, new variations of the Avengers could find their way into the MCU. Gosling’s Ghost Rider could be one of the leaders of the MCU’s Midnight Suns, a team of supernatural characters from the comics that is rumored to be in the works for the MCU.
In 2025, Marvel Studios will release Blade. The movie stars Mahershala Ali as Blade, and the character could be one of the leaders of the Midnight Suns alongside Gosling’s Ghost Rider. Other MCU characters could join the team. The Disney+ Special Presentation Werewolf by Night could provide three possible members: Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing, and Elsa Bloodstone. Also from Disney+ could come Moon Knight and the Scarlet Scarab. Kit Harington’s Black Knight has already met Blade, making him another possible Midnight Suns member. Finally, Doctor Strange — and perhaps a resurrected and reformed Scarlet Witch — would also need to appear.
Casting Ryan Gosling Would Be A Major Win For The MCU
Gosling Is An Accomplished Star
Gosling’s career shows how exciting his getting cast in the MCU would be. The actor has shown his worth in both blockbusters and more intimate films, with a wide range of roles that could help breathe new life into the MCU. Gosling is coming off the biggest movie of 2023, Barbie, for which the actor received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for the role of Ken. Gosling’s other high-profile projects include The Notebook, La La Land, and Blade Runner 2049.
Despite having some exciting roles in major movies, with Barbie almost making $1.5 billion worldwide and Netflix’s The Gray Man showing his action experience, Gosling has yet to play a superhero. The actor’s roles as a stunt driver and a stunt motorcycle driver in Drive and The Place Beyond the Pines make him a perfect fit for Ghost Rider. He has the physical skills and the acting ability needed for the role, making Ghost Rider the perfect MCU role for Ryan Gosling.
