Ghost Rider’s recent appearance in the MCU’s What If…? Season 3 has ignited excitement among fans, as it could pave the way for Keanu Reeves to step into the role of his dreams. The finale of this season successfully concluded the intricate multiversal narrative, highlighting an array of captivating cameos from various alternate versions of beloved characters, such as a Thanos-Wolverine hybrid and a Hulk Sorcerer Supreme.
A notable cameo in this climactic episode was that of Ghost Rider, a character many fans have long anticipated seeing in future Marvel projects. While the upcoming Marvel films for 2025—namely Captain America: Brave New World, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Thunderbolts—have been confirmed, it appears that Ghost Rider’s return may be delayed. Nevertheless, his inclusion in What If…? Season 3 opens the door for Marvel to potentially cast Reeves as the iconic character.
Keanu Reeves’ Aspirations to Portray Ghost Rider
A Lifelong Dream for Reeves
Keanu Reeves’ connection to Ghost Rider stretches back for years, with the actor being a prominent figure in Hollywood. Fans have long speculated which superhero might be a fitting role for him in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While numerous options have been floated, one character consistently stands out: Johnny Blaze, the iconic incarnation of Ghost Rider. Reeves has claimed that playing Johnny Blaze has been a dream of his since childhood, igniting a flurry of fan theories about his potential debut in the MCU.
Ghost Rider’s Official MCU Debut
Ghost Rider’s appearance in What If…? Season 3 marks a pivotal moment for the character within the MCU. Although Ghost Rider previously appeared in the Agents of SHIELD series, its connection to the overarching MCU remains ambiguous. Nonetheless, What If…?, produced by Marvel Studios, is recognized as an official MCU content. Thus, this season became the platform for the first official appearance of a Ghost Rider variant.
In the finale, viewers are treated to a montage where a samurai version of Ghost Rider can be seen. This incarnation deviates from the classic motorcycle-riding depiction commonly associated with the character, presenting a version that embodies a warrior spirit from ancient Japan. The concept of a samurai Ghost Rider emerges, showcasing the flexible storytelling possibilities within the multiverse and hinting at future developments.
With looming Avengers films set to delve deeper into multiversal themes, the potential for the samurai iteration of Ghost Rider to return is very plausible. This creates an exciting opportunity for Keanu Reeves to finally assume the role he has yearned for, especially if there is a plan for such a character to be woven into future story arcs.
A Samurai Ghost Rider – A Perfect Fit for Reeves
A Role Tailored to Reeves’ Skills
While Johnny Blaze is often seen as the ideal Ghost Rider for Reeves, the samurai version presented in What If…? Season 3 could resonate even more with him. Reeves’ commitment to portraying characters authentically shines through his past performances, including his character in 47 Ronin, where he immersed himself in the principles of Bushido, the traditional samurai code.
His extensive martial arts training and longstanding reputation for performing his own stunts make him an ideal candidate for showcasing the unique skill set of a samurai. Should this samurai Ghost Rider be integrated into the MCU, it would not only pay homage to Reeves’ martial arts background but also fulfill his ambition to play a character he deeply resonates with. Such developments could breathe new life into the franchise while creating a character arc that fans will eagerly anticipate.
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