Will Ghost Rider Be In Avengers: Doomsday? Why Ryan Gosling Is the Perfect Johnny Blaze

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is ablaze with rumors that Ghost Rider, aka Johnny Blaze, will make his fiery debut in Avengers: Doomsday. Fans are asking: Will Ghost Rider be in Avengers: Doomsday?

Industry insiders report Marvel Studios is actively casting for this iconic antihero, with Ryan Gosling emerging as a frontrunner. As a versatile actor already within Disney’s orbit through Star Wars: Starfighter, Gosling’s potential casting as the Spirit of Vengeance could set the stage for an epic MCU showdown.

This article explores the casting rumors, Gosling’s fit for the role, and why he’s the ideal choice to bring Johnny Blaze to life.

What Are the Latest Ghost Rider Casting Rumors?

Reports surfaced on May 23, 2025, via industry insider Jeff Sneider on The Hot Mic podcast, stating Marvel Studios is casting Ghost Rider for Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18, 2026.

Sneider emphasized a “search” for a new actor, ruling out returns of Nicolas Cage (Johnny Blaze in 2007’s Ghost Rider and 2011’s Spirit of Vengeance) or Gabriel Luna (Robbie Reyes in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.). Posts on X have fueled speculation, with some claiming Ryan Gosling is Marvel’s top pick, though no official confirmation exists.

The timing aligns with Marvel’s push for supernatural heroes, as seen in Moon Knight and Werewolf by Night.

Daniel Richtman’s Patreon report suggests Ghost Rider will play a “major role” in Doomsday and could appear in a future Midnight Sons project. With filming starting in March 2025, the casting search is in high gear.

Why Is Ryan Gosling a Fan-Favorite Choice?

Ryan Gosling has been vocal about his desire to play Ghost Rider since 2022, telling Happy Sad Confused host Josh Horowitz it’s his dream MCU role. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige responded enthusiastically, saying, “Ryan’s amazing. I’d love to find a place for him in the MCU.”

This mutual interest has kept Gosling’s name in the spotlight, with fan art and concept trailers on X envisioning him as Johnny Blaze.

Gosling’s star power, amplified by Barbie’s $1.4 billion global gross, makes him a marquee choice. His recent roles in The Fall Guy and The Gray Man showcase his action chops, while Drive and The Place Beyond the Pines prove he can embody the brooding, tormented loner that defines Johnny Blaze. Fans on X call him “born to play Johnny Blaze,” citing his motorcycle skills and emotional depth.

How Does Gosling’s Disney Connection Help?

As of 2025, Gosling is filming Star Wars: Starfighter under Disney’s Lucasfilm banner, directed by Shawn Levy. This places him firmly within Disney’s ecosystem, potentially easing negotiations with Marvel Studios, a Disney subsidiary. His packed schedule—shooting Starfighter this fall—hasn’t deterred speculation, as Avengers: Doomsday’s production timeline aligns post-Starfighter.

Disney’s history of cross-franchise casting, like Pedro Pascal in The Mandalorian and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, supports Gosling’s candidacy. His familiarity with Disney’s high-profile projects and Feige’s public endorsement make him a strategic fit. X posts suggest this synergy could “fast-track” Gosling into the MCU, especially for a high-stakes role like Ghost Rider.

Why Is Gosling Perfect for Johnny Blaze?

Johnny Blaze is a complex character: a stunt motorcyclist cursed by a deal with Mephistopheles, transforming into a flaming-skulled avenger. Gosling’s filmography aligns perfectly. In The Place Beyond the Pines, he played a motorcycle stuntman, mastering the vehicle central to Ghost Rider’s identity. His role in Drive showcased a stoic, intense persona, ideal for Blaze’s internal struggle.

Gosling’s action prowess in The Fall Guy proves he can handle Ghost Rider’s high-octane stunts, while his dramatic range in Blade Runner 2049 suits Blaze’s tormented soul. Fans on X praise his “no-nonsense loner” vibe, drawing parallels to Blaze’s comic book roots. With Marvel eyeing a fresh take on Johnny Blaze, Gosling’s versatility and passion make him the standout choice.

What Could Ghost Rider’s Role in Doomsday Be?

Avengers: Doomsday, directed by the Russo Brothers, boasts a star-studded cast, including Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. Rumors suggest Ghost Rider could clash with Doom, leveraging their comic book history from the 2023 Midnight Suns run, where Doom battled multiple Ghost Riders. This setup could position Gosling’s Blaze as a pivotal player, setting up a Midnight Sons film with Blade and Moon Knight.

The film’s $400 million budget and 27 confirmed characters indicate a massive, multiverse-spanning narrative. Ghost Rider’s supernatural edge could counter Doom’s mysticism, offering a visually spectacular showdown. X posts speculate Gosling’s casting could “steal the show,” with his Ghost Rider potentially leading into a solo project post-Doomsday.

Why Should Marvel Cast Gosling?

Gosling’s casting would be a coup for Marvel, blending fan enthusiasm, critical acclaim, and box office draw. His passion for Ghost Rider ensures a committed performance, while his A-list status elevates the character’s MCU debut.

Unlike Nicolas Cage’s polarizing films or Gabriel Luna’s small-screen stint, Gosling could redefine Johnny Blaze for a new era, appealing to both longtime fans and casual viewers.

Competing actors like Norman Reedus have expressed interest, but Gosling’s youth (44 in 2025), physicality, and Disney ties give him an edge. His ability to balance humor, intensity, and vulnerability aligns with the MCU’s signature tone.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As Marvel navigates criticism post-Endgame, Gosling’s star power could reinvigorate the franchise, making Ghost Rider a cornerstone of Phase 6.

Avengers: Doomsday promises to reshape the MCU, and Ghost Rider’s rumored debut could be a game-changer. Ryan Gosling, with his proven talent, Disney connection, and genuine passion, is the ideal candidate to embody Johnny Blaze.

Whether flaming across the screen or facing off against Doctor Doom, Gosling’s Ghost Rider could ignite the MCU’s supernatural future.

As casting rumors swirl, fans await confirmation—hoping the Spirit of Vengeance finds its perfect host.