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Ghost Rider is finally set to make his long awaited return to the big screen with an appearance in Doctor Strange 3. Sources indicate this will be the Johnny Blaze version of the character. Phase Four of the MCU saw the franchise begin to embrace more horror-themed stories and characters.
We saw this in recent films and TV shows like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Moon Knight.
Both of which featured significant elements from the genre. Last year, the MCU’s first Halloween Special Werewolf by Night fully embraced its horror roots.
It also payed homage to Universal’s classic black-and-white monster movies. Moreover, the upcoming Blade reboot will reportedly take it a step further as Marvel Studios’ first full-on horror film.
Practically all of Marvel’s spooky superheroes either have roles or are confirmed to have roles in the future.
Nonetheless there’s still one supernatural character from Marvel’s library that fans are anxiously waiting to arrive in the MCU.
Ghost Rider.
Ghost Rider To Bring Fiery Horror To Doctor Strange 3
Image: Marvel Comics
Particularly Blaze’s incarnation of the Spirit of Vengeance. Each previous attempt to bring the character into live action has ended up hitting road block.
2007 saw Ghost Rider make his big screen debut with Nicholas Cage in the title role. Sony’s adaptation bombed with critics; however, it made enough to earn a sequel. Five years later, the character was given another shot with a soft reboot titled Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance.
Alas, not even Idris Elba’s star power could save that train wreck.
In addition, this second adaptation bombed hard. Following this disaster, Ghost Rider’s cinematic rights reverted back to Marvel Studios. When this news broke, fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the MCU’s definitive take. Initially, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. introduced Robbie Reyes’ version of Ghost Rider to the MCU.
This embodiment of the Spirit of Vengeance was portrayed by Gabriel Luna. Thankfully, AOS stripped Ghost Rider of any camp. No Sony here. Due to expensive special effects, AOS didn’t use Ghost Rider as much as the fans wanted. Nevertheless, they made every scene with Ghost Rider look mesmerizing.
The CGI was superb.
In addition, fans were treated to a brief glimpse of Blaze in the show when he passed on his curse to Reyes. Sadly, since then there’s been no further appearances from either of the hell raisers.
On the other hand, Luna was set to reprise his role in a spin-off series. But this planned TV show was scrapped before it even had the chance to hit the road.
From what we’re hearing, Ghost Rider burns through Doctor Strange 3. While a third movie for the master of the mystic arts is yet-to-be officially confirmed, it seems inevitable. Given that both heroes often deal with supernatural threats, it makes complete sense to include Blaze in the sequel.
Ghost Rider To Bring Fiery Horror To Doctor Strange 3
Image: GQ
There’s been no word on who could potentially take on the role. The most likely candidates are two names that have frequently popped up over the years. Norman Reedus and Ryan Gosling.
Both actors have openly expressed their desire to portray Ghost Rider in the MCU. Reedus admitted:
“I want a fire skull. I want my face to turn into a fire skull and whip a chain around. That would be great. I got 12 motorcycles. I’d just pick one. I’ll do it, yeah.”
On November 13, 2021, we scooped that Reedus was in talks for Ghost Rider. Granted, that may have just been for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
That didn’t happen.
On the other hand, we haven’t heard of another actor seriously linked to Ghost Rider. And with the supernatural now becoming more prominent, it’s only a matter of time until the character finally shows up.