Avengers: Doomsday just keeps getting bigger and bigger, and the rumor mill is ablaze with exciting news. According to industry insider Jeff Sneider, Marvel Studios is actively casting a new Ghost Rider for the film, signaling the fiery anti-hero’s long-awaited big-screen return. Directed by the Russo Brothers, Avengers: Doomsday is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, and this latest development has fans intrigued about the Spirit of Vengeance’s role in the Multiverse Saga. Here’s everything we know so far about this scorching rumor and what it could mean for the MCU’s future.
The Ghost Rider Rumor: What We Know
- Casting in Progress: Industry scooper Jeff Sneider revealed on The Hot Mic podcast that Marvel Studios is searching for an actor to portray Ghost Rider in Avengers: Doomsday. This would mark the character’s official MCU debut on the big screen, separate from previous iterations.
- Not a Cage or Luna Return: While Nicolas Cage played Johnny Blaze in two Ghost Rider films (2007 and 2011) and Gabriel Luna portrayed Robbie Reyes in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the rumor suggests Marvel is looking for a fresh face, potentially introducing a new version of the character, such as Danny Ketch.
- No Confirmed Character Details: Sneider didn’t specify which Ghost Rider iteration Marvel is casting—whether it’s Johnny Blaze, Danny Ketch, or another version. This ambiguity has sparked speculation about how the character will fit into the film’s narrative.
| Key Detail | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Casting Timeline | Marvel is actively seeking an actor, suggesting Ghost Rider’s role is significant. |
| New Actor | Neither Cage nor Luna is expected to return, opening the door for a fresh take. |
| Potential Variants | The character could be Johnny Blaze, Danny Ketch, or a new Ghost Rider entirely. |
| Film Context | Avengers: Doomsday features a massive cast, including Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. |
What Could Ghost Rider’s Role Be?
While details about Ghost Rider’s involvement in Avengers: Doomsday remain speculative, the film’s massive scope offers plenty of possibilities. Here are some potential ways the character could fit into the story:
- Ally Against Doctor Doom: With Robert Downey Jr. playing Victor von Doom, Ghost Rider’s supernatural powers could make him a key player in confronting the villain’s multiversal schemes. His Penance Stare, which forces evildoers to feel their victims’ pain, could be a unique weapon against Doom.
- Midnight Sons Setup: Ghost Rider’s appearance could lay the groundwork for a future Midnight Sons film, especially if other supernatural heroes like Blade or Moon Knight appear in Doomsday.
- Multiversal Variant: The film’s reported inclusion of the X-Men and new heroes suggests Ghost Rider could be a variant from another reality, adding a fresh twist to his character.
| Possible Role | Narrative Impact |
|---|---|
| Doom’s Adversary | Ghost Rider’s powers could challenge Doctor Doom’s multiversal plans. |
| Team Builder | Sets up the Midnight Sons as a new MCU faction. |
| Variant Introduction | Introduces a new Ghost Rider from another universe. |
Final Thoughts
If the rumor holds true, Ghost Rider’s debut in Avengers: Doomsday could be just the beginning. The character’s inclusion might signal Marvel’s intent to expand its supernatural roster, potentially leading to a Midnight Sons film or a standalone Ghost Rider project. With the Russo Brothers at the helm, known for delivering epic yet character-driven stories, fans can hope for a Ghost Rider that burns bright in the MCU. Also, not to mention that the reboot is coming after Secret Wars and whoever they cast for this role(if accurate) might be the true MCU Ghost Rider that will stay for many future projects to come.
