For all the big returning Marvel actors that appeared inDeadpool & Wolverine, it appears that theMarvel Cinematic Universefilm almost had another iconic character return. Many Marvel characters who originated outside the MCU madecameos inDeadpool & Wolverine, but one significant player was nowhere to be seen: Nicolas Cage’s Johnny Blaze, a.k.a. Ghost Rider. Nearly half a year has gone by sinceDeadpool & Wolverinereleased in theaters, and answers are finally emerging about the absence of Ghost Rider in theMCU Phase 5installment.
During a new interview onEntertainment Weekly’sAwardist Podcast, Reynolds spoke more about earlier drafts of theDeadpool & Wolverinescript and what did or didn’t end up using in the final iteration of the screenplay.While Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider was initially in one iteration ofDeadpool & Wolverine’sscript, Reynolds addressed how they tried to get the actor, stating the following:
They were in early drafts. We had versions of that [sequence], but then as it shook out, you’re sort of looking…We’re trying to make the movie responsibly, as well. It’s a big budget. It’s the biggest budget of any of the Deadpool movies, but you want to give yourself as much constraint, which really I think facilitates asymmetrical thinking and creativity. If you have too much time or too much money, it usually murders that kind of creativity. So, yeah, you’re shrinking things.But we did talk to Nic Cage. We tried to get him, but he was a no-go…. I would’ve loved him.
What Ryan Reynolds' Nicolas Cage Ghost Rider Return Comments Mean
While Cage may not have been one of the cameos inDeadpool & Wolverine, Reynolds' comments could mean many things in this scenario. Even though he hasn’t commented on Reynolds' statement,it was never specifically stated by the Wade Wilson star that Cage formally passed on appearing in the MCU film. One possibility is that there were scheduling issues that prevented Cage from returning as Ghost Rider inDeadpool & Wolverine.
Another factor that could have played a critical role is perhaps if Disney and Marvel Studios weren’t willing to pay what Cage wanted, even if it was for something as brief as appearing intheDeadpool & Wolverinepost-credits scenes. Given that there were a lot of cameos already, it wouldn’t be shocking if it became an issue of budget in the end, and Marvel Studios and Disney had already committed to paying for other Marvel stars to show up in the film. Whether it was salary or scheduling or another reason entirely, time will tell what ultimately led to Cage not reprising the role of Ghost Rider.
Our Take On Ryan Reynolds' Nicolas Cage Ghost Rider Return Comments
It wouldn’t be shocking if it was something as simple as Cage already having other filming commitments, which is why he couldn’t be inDeadpool & Wolverine. Cage has made it clear that he is a comic book fan, and there is always the chance that his Ghost Rider could be saved forAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Wars, where he could finally share the screen with Reynolds, followingtheDeadpool & Wolverineending. But until then, the world can reliveDeadpool & Wolverinethrough Blu-ray/DVD and Digital Download, while the film will be on Disney+ starting November 12.
Deadpool & Wolverine
Cast
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
