Before you click out of this article due to the author, here me out. I've learned from my mistake of an article (though I stand by my opinion on Soarise Ronan). I apologize to those I had upset with my opinion. That being said, let's move onto the reason for this article. Many will argue that DareDevil should be introduced first. While yes, it is true cause of his initial film (that Ben Affleck did a good job in) was a let down and he deserves a better representation, the problem is where would he be in the MCU? Sure, Ant-Man is getting a film but that's because he is stand alone and also he is an Avenger. The first three phases will be Avengers members centric if you ask me. DareDevil also wouldn't fit in for the time being because of them going to Marvel Cosmic. He could be introduce somewhere in Phase Six or beyond because of the doors that will have been opened.
Doctor Strange is heavily said to be in Phase Three. He is a supernatural hero because he deals with magic and dimensions. This is where the, Spirit of Vengeance would be able to come in through. Doctor Strange deals with characters like him. Ghost Rider continues the Marvel Supernatural but he also opens the door for Marvel Knights (if Black Panther doesn't get a film by then). Why should Ghost Rider be introduced in Phase Four or Five? Well, it's quite simple. He's a darker character that can get better representation at Marvel Studios, everyone will think they will water him down. No, I believe they will keep the character dark and violent but also maintain a humor within his part of the world. Plus, we could get a possible Doctor Strange appearance. Ghost Rider has enough of an interesting rogues gallery and enough story possibilities for an amazing trilogy. A Doctor Strange appearance should be just the one film though and acknowledge a shared universe as I feel that a Rise of the Midnight Sons movie just isn't necessary. Not to mention, Ghost Rider works better as a stand alone hero. See where I am getting at? He further opens the door for the Marvel Supernatural while opening the door for fellow Marvel Knights such as DareDevil, The Punisher, Blade, Moonknight, etc. It should be the Johnny Blaze interpretation of the character to due to the fact that's who the general audience associates the Ghost Rider with as well as the fact that if it's Dan Ketch then things could get slightly over crowded.
As for who should play him, I stand by my choice. His name is, Jake Gyllenhaal. Now I know what you all are thinking "He would be better fit for Dan Ketch", "Prince of Persia sucked", etc. Well, here's my argument. I will do this in three exibits. Three films, no clips. Just the films in general. First, let's start off with the most recent Jake Gyllenhaal film I have watched, Prisoners.
By now I'm sure all of you know what this film is. I saw it Wednesday while I was off school due to a teacher meeting and I must say, this film is fantastic. Very intense, emotional and it's a true thriller as it keeps you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns. Nearly brought me to tears a couple times. Hugh Jackman was phenomenal, the supporting cast was great but, let's take a look at Jake Gyllenhaal. Many people I feel at times don't give him enough credit when I feel with something like Detective Loki in this film and the next two films I will get to here in a minute, Jake Gyllenhaal brings a complexity to these three specific roles. In Prisoners, he's a loner. A detective who throughout the film gets very frustrated as the case goes on and there's an emotional side to him that you don't see often. I'm not saying that he cries but you can tell through Gyllenhaal's performance he's been through some shit and this particular case really weighs him down. Why does this role mean anything to my argument that he should play Marvel's Spirit of Vengeance? Well, Ghost Rider is a complex and dark character. Jake Gyllenhaal can bring that complexity and more to this character therefore, giving us an investment and intrigue to the titular hero.
Brokeback Mountain
Yes, Ang Lee's epic drama about two cowboys who fall in love with each other. Before you go bashing this argument, remember: Heath Ledger. Jake Gyllenhaal was actually nominated at the Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jack Twist. This is a beautiful film (a statement my dad laughed at cause he felt I am too young to be saying that about a film) and it's an emotional journey. Mr. Gyllenhaal again, shows a complexity in his character but it's an emotional one at that. One thing I feel a Ghost Rider film would need is an emotional investment cause he goes through some deep things. If Gyllenhaal were to be cast as our titular hero for Marvel Studios, he would be able to bring an emotional complexity and range to this hero that I feel goes back to these three arguments, in particular Brokeback Mountain. You root for Jack Twist as he was a confused man who was in love with another man and you want them to be together but it's just complicated for them both. Gyllenhaal puts everything in this role.
Donnie Darko
Ah yes, who could forget this film? I sure can't. Many call this film over rated, it's a rather unique take on time travel and alternate realities but it all comes down to one particular performance. Jake Gyllenhaal as Mr. Donnie Darko. This is what really drives home my argument. As Gyllenhaal plays a dark character whom is a tormented, lonely soul who sees a giant talking rabbit. He brings such sadness and anger to the role, you want to root for Donnie but everything just goes bad for him. This role proved that he can do dark roles while keeping the audience interesting and invested in his character. When you really think about it, Donnie Darko really should have shot him into stardom. But, because not many had heard of it, it really didn't. He gradually grew and went on to do films like Jarhead, Brokeback Mountain, Zodiac, End of Watch, etc. Gyllenhaal can bring to life a character that is tormented, lonely and is a bit dark.
Jake Gyllenhaal has proven he can do action roles with Prince of Persia and Source Code but, these three films. These three roles are what convinces me that he should be Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider. Before you go start saying that he will never do a superhero role. Keep in mind that he was runner up for Nolan's Batman Begins as well as Raimi's Spider-Man, when Raimi wasn't sure if Tobey would be able to do Spider-Man 2. Also, here are a couple interview's where he was asked about doing a superhero role.
"I'd never pass up a superhero, man"
- MTV Oscars 2010
"At a certain point you realize there's always someone more interesting, talented and ready to do a role than you are - and you won't get every role you go for. All I want right now is to hone my skills and become a better actor, not dream about wearing a cape. But you never know."
- Short List, also posted here at comicbookmovie.com by Paul Romano
There it is. What do you guys think? I'd also campaign for Evan Rachel Wood as Roxanne and David Slade to direct but, this is what I am mainly going for, Jake Gyllenhaal as Marvel's Spirit of Vengeance. Comment below on this choice and Ghost Rider's potential cinematic reboot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.