We've known for some time now that Marvel Studios plans to introduce the MCU's new Ghost Rider in Avengers: Doomsday. It tracks, as the Russo Brothers frequently bring new characters into this world with their movies, whether it's The Falcon in Captain America: The Winter Soldier or Spider-Man and Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War.
Last year, it was widely reported that Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige had met with The Batman star Robert Pattinson about an undisclosed role. It was likely just a general meeting, but it seems we came close to seeing the Bruce Wayne actor transform into the Spirit of Vengeance.
According to Nexus Point News' @ApocHorseman, "Pattinson was eyed for [Ghost Rider] at one point," but "it's not gonna be him." Ryan Gosling's name has been attached to the role on several occasions, so we're still not discounting him showing up as Johnny Blaze in the MCU next December.
What's still unclear about Marvel Studios' Ghost Rider plans is whether this would be a one-off Variant or the version of the character who takes centre stage in Midnight Sons and other supernatural projects post-Avengers: Secret Wars.
Promoting The Fall Guy last year, Ryan Gosling was asked by Josh Horowitz about getting the seal of approval from Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige to play the MCU's Ghost Rider if he's interested. "This was a magical moment. I told Josh I would like to play Ghost Rider. He found Kevin Feige, corners him, does an interview with him. When he says, 'I would like this,' all the lights go off."
As for whether there's been any real movement on that front, a cagey Gosling responded, "I don't know." When his co-star Emily Blunt interjected and said she didn't expect him to sign up for a superhero project, the Academy Award nominee told her, "I would love to, it would be amazing. Come be in Ghost Rider."
The Spirit of Vengeance was previously rumoured to make an appearance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. That may have been the plan when the movie was scheduled to open between Doomsday and Secret Wars, but Johnny is seemingly being saved for the Avengers franchise.
It's exciting that Earth's Mightiest Heroes might recruit Ghost Rider to help in the battle against Doctor Doom, and a little crazy to think we're less than 12 months away from potentially seeing the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Ghost Rider all on screen at the same time.
Rumours like these are always best taken with a pinch of salt. Still, it's always fun (particularly on a slow news day like Boxing Day) to take this type of chatter and attempt to figure out what it means for a character like the Spirit of Vengeance, and the wider MCU.