The Marvel Cinematic Universe has come a long way in its 12-year journey, and it continues to evolve as it welcomes classic heroes back into the fold. Marvel's early financial struggles are well-chronicled, resulting in the selling of film rights for various characters to different film studios. Now, slowly and slowly these characters are returning home to Marvel. As Thanos said, "Destiny arrives all the same." Among those welcomed back was Ghost Rider, whose film rights reverted back to Marvel in 2013 after Johnny Blaze was portrayed by Nicholas Cage in Ghost Rider and its sequel Spirit of Vengeance, released by Sony and Columbia Pictures.
After the rights reverted back to Marvel, Ghost Rider got a pleasant reboot in the form of Robbie Reyes, portrayed by Gabriel Luna in season three of Agents of Shield. Luna's performance was well regarded to the point that his own series was to be in development through Hulu, only for the spin-off to be shelved entirely. With the Marvel Television version of Robbie Reyes sidelined, the future of Ghost Rider lies in the hands of Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios. Now in an exclusive report, his future lies within the larger MCU, as it will be welcoming Ghost Rider to the fold sooner rather than later.
NEWS
According to our contributing insider Daniel Richtman, a Ghost Rider project is being developed by Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios. The project will be set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the titular character will not be the version portrayed by Gabriel Luna. It is currently uncertain if the Ghost Rider project is a feature film or live-action series.
WHAT THIS MEANS
This would not indicate Ghost Rider making his "first" appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After all, the version that appeared in Agents of Shield does take place in the MCU. However, Daniel Richtman's report does note that this version will not be that of Robbie Reyes, so it is not a far-fetched assumption that Kevin Feige and the team are looking to adapt the original Johnny Blaze iteration of Ghost Rider. Adapting Johnny Blaze into the MCU would be a significant move, and the timing could be just right with what is on the horizon.
After his significant role in Avengers: Infinity War, Doctor Strange's sequel film, now slotted for a March 2022 release, could be the perfect setting for Johnny Blaze to make his debut on the silver screen. Among what is known about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is that the sequel will dip into the "gothic and the horror and the horrific." Nightmare is believed to be the film's main villain, and the character is depicted as a common foe to Stephen Strange and, you guessed it, Ghost Rider. Showcasing Johnny Blaze within the "gothic" environment of the Doctor Strange sequel could be a natural springboard into his own feature film.
A Phase 4 film could be a logical choice to introduce Johnny Blaze, but remember that Multiverse of Madness also has Scarlet Witch in a starring role. The next we see of Scarlet Witch will be in WandaVision debuting on Disney+. Elizabeth Olsen continues to tease new information, and the show's exploration of different realities could become a natural setting for Ghost Rider. If Johnny Blaze is meant to get his own live-action series, WandaVision could be a great opportunity to possibly hint at the character.
With the Infinity Saga having come to a close, the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is entering new and uncharted territory, but that should leave fans excited. It opens the door to explore new characters, new worlds, and new realities. With this latest news, fans should get ready to embark in the supernatural, with Ghost Rider leading the way.
