Marvel Studios Reportedly Scraps Plans for Ghost Rider in AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY
For a while there, it really sounded like the Marvel Cinematic Universe was finally ready to let Ghost Rider tear onto the big screen. Rumors had been swirling that the Spirit of Vengeance would make his long-awaited MCU debut in Avengers: Doomsday. Now, it looks like those plans might’ve gone up in flames.
Word first surfaced last year that Marvel Studios was eyeing Doomsday as the launchpad for a new Ghost Rider. What was never clear was which Ghost Rider we were getting.
Was this a one-off Variant, or the definitive MCU version who’d go on to headline supernatural stories like Midnight Sons after Avengers: Secret Wars? There were even some unverified reports that Robert Pattinson had met with Kevin Feige to talk about the role, which only fueled the hype.
Then reality set in. Doomsday reportedly kicked off production with an unfinished script, a sign that the story was still being reshaped while cameras were already rolling. According to insider Daniel Richtman, that uncertainty may have cost Ghost Rider his spot in the film.
“Even though they were looking to cast Ghost Rider for [Avengers: Doomsday], he’s not currently in the film, so I guess they changed their minds.”
With an already massive cast and Doctor Doom expected to dominate the narrative, it’s not hard to see why Johnny Blaze’s introduction might’ve been pushed to a later date.
Interestingly, Ghost Rider had also been rumored for Spider-Man: Brand New Day at one point. That idea made more sense when that film was positioned between Doomsday and Secret Wars. Once release plans shifted, the thinking seemed to be that Ghost Rider belonged on an Avengers-sized stage instead. Now, that plan appears to be in limbo.
The last actor to suit up as Ghost Rider was Gabriel Luna, who played Robbie Reyes in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Luna has made it clear he’s more than willing to return if Marvel calls.
“I’m open to it. As somebody who loved that part and loves that character with all his heart, and somebody who loves that universe and storytelling...I always keep the door open.”
“It makes me feel very happy just to know that people hold it that closely, and I think Clark [Gregg], Chloe [Bennet], and Ming [-Na Wen] were at New York Comic Con recently, and someone sent me a video of them just talking really sweetly about me up on the stage there.
“Basically, naming that fourth season as their favorite, which means a lot, because they had such a beautiful family on that show and delivered seven really wonderful seasons. For them to hold that season as the jewel of their experience really is special.”
“Yeah, I love Robbie, I love the Ghost Rider. You know, they have my number.”
As for the bigger picture, the Russo Bros. are directing both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, working from a script by Stephen McFeely, their longtime collaborator from the Avengers and Captain America films. Michael Waldron, who worked on Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is also on board to help shape the story.
Avengers: Doomsday is currently set to hit theaters on December 18, with Avengers: Secret Wars following on December 17, 2027. Ghost Rider may be sitting this one out, but knowing Marvel, the Spirit of Vengeance isn’t gone forever. He’s just waiting for the right moment to rev the engine.