Marvel Studios has reportedly finalized casting for Ghost Rider in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but the identity of the actor remains under wraps. As excitement builds around upcoming supernatural projects in the MCU, fans are now speculating who will take on the fiery role of the Spirit of Vengeance.
According to multiple industry insiders, including Daniel Richtman and Jeff Sneider, Marvel has already chosen the actor who will portray Ghost Rider. However, the studio has chosen not to reveal the name publicly. Sneider claims the character is expected to appear in the upcoming blockbuster Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.
Sneider also noted that the Russo Brothers, known for directing Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, are returning to helm Avengers: Doomsday and are directly involved in the casting process. This adds more credibility to the rumors that Ghost Rider will play a significant role in the future of the MCU, possibly connected to the multiverse storyline that Marvel has been building since Phase 4.
While no official name has been announced, fan speculation is in overdrive. One of the leading candidates among fans is actor Ryan Gosling. Gosling previously expressed his interest in portraying Ghost Rider, and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige responded publicly by saying he would love to work with Gosling. This public exchange has fueled ongoing rumors that Gosling could be playing the Johnny Blaze version of Ghost Rider.
Other popular names that have emerged in fan discussions include Norman Reedus, Keanu Reeves, Joel Edgerton, and Aldis Hodge. Norman Reedus, best known for his role in The Walking Dead, has long been linked to the character in fan circles. Keanu Reeves has also been rumored to be in talks with Marvel for years, with some speculating that Ghost Rider might be the perfect fit for the actor’s mystique and screen presence. However, none of these names have been confirmed or verified by official Marvel sources.
Ghost Rider is a well-known character from Marvel Comics who first appeared in 1972. The original version of the character, Johnny Blaze, is a stunt motorcyclist who makes a deal with the devil to save a loved one, only to become the host of a vengeful spirit. Over the decades, other versions of Ghost Rider have emerged, including Danny Ketch and Robbie Reyes. Reyes was most recently portrayed by Gabriel Luna in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but insiders suggest the MCU will focus on Johnny Blaze for this iteration.
The inclusion of Ghost Rider is a significant step as Marvel continues to expand into darker, supernatural storylines. Recent entries like Moon Knight, Werewolf by Night, and the upcoming Blade film are clear indicators that Marvel Studios is building a supernatural branch of the MCU. Many fans believe this will eventually lead to a Midnight Sons crossover, a team that traditionally includes Ghost Rider, Blade, Moon Knight, and other supernatural or antihero figures.
The decision to withhold the actor’s identity could be strategic. Marvel is known for saving big character reveals for post-credit scenes, major trailer drops, or surprise appearances in films. Given the scale and secrecy surrounding Avengers: Doomsday, it is very possible that Ghost Rider’s first appearance may come as a shock moment that ties into the larger multiverse narrative.
As for when fans might see Ghost Rider in action, all signs point to Avengers: Doomsday in 2026 as the most likely debut. However, there is also speculation that the character could first appear in a smaller project, such as a Disney+ series or a brief cameo in an upcoming film that deals with supernatural or multiversal themes.
The casting of Ghost Rider marks another step in Marvel’s effort to diversify its character base and genre range within the MCU. With the multiverse saga continuing to unfold and new threats emerging from both cosmic and magical realms, the addition of a character like Ghost Rider brings a powerful, unpredictable element to the franchise.
While fans wait for Marvel to make an official announcement, speculation will continue to grow. Whoever lands the role will have the task of redefining Ghost Rider for a new generation of audiences, especially after previous live-action adaptations featured Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze and Gabriel Luna as Robbie Reyes.
Until Marvel reveals the actor’s name, the identity of the MCU’s Ghost Rider remains one of the most closely guarded secrets in the studio’s upcoming slate.
