Reynolds Makes Bold Attempt to Bring Ghost Rider Back for Deadpool 3 Cameo
Ryan Reynolds recently revealed that he made a bold attempt to bring Nicolas Cage back as Ghost Rider for a cameo in Deadpool 3. The film, which Reynolds starred in, co-wrote, and executive produced, is packed with surprises, and during an appearance on Entertainment Weekly’s The Awardist podcast on November 7, 2024, Reynolds shared details about early drafts of the movie.
Discussing the early versions of the script, Reynolds explained that ideas had been floated to include both Cage’s Ghost Rider and Ben Affleck’s Daredevil in the film. “They were in early drafts. We had versions of that [sequence], but then as it shook out… we’re trying to make the movie responsibly,” Reynolds explained. “It’s a big budget, the biggest of any Deadpool movie, but we wanted to make sure we had creative constraints that help creativity.”
The Ghost Rider Cameo That Almost Was
Cage first portrayed the iconic Marvel character Ghost Rider in the 2007 film Ghost Rider and its 2011 sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, both produced by 20th Century Fox. The idea of bringing him back for Deadpool 3 was part of Reynolds’ broader vision to honor and incorporate characters from Fox’s era of Marvel films. “It was a love letter to those movies,” Reynolds noted, emphasizing his desire to pay tribute to the legacy of earlier superhero films.
Reynolds confirmed that they did try to get Nicolas Cage on board. “We did talk to Nic Cage,” he shared, adding, “We tried to get him, but he was a no-go. I would’ve loved him.” Despite the setback, Reynolds remained positive about the film’s lineup and its connections to the past.
Marvel’s Fox Legacy
Deadpool 3 is being heralded as a celebration of the superhero films produced by Fox before Disney’s acquisition of Marvel. The film is bringing back a variety of characters from these earlier movies, including Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, Chris Evans’ Human Torch, and Wesley Snipes’ Blade. Additionally, Channing Tatum’s long-awaited Gambit, a character originally part of Fox’s X-Men universe, is finally making his big-screen debut.
In the same podcast, Reynolds teased other surprise appearances, including those from his wife, Blake Lively, and actor Henry Cavill. Lively will make her Deadpool debut alongside their children, Inez and Olin, who are set to play Kidpool and Babypool, respectively.
Missed Opportunities and Other Cameos
Although Cage’s cameo was ultimately not meant to be, Deadpool 3 still promises to be filled with thrilling surprises for fans. In August, Halle Berry revealed that she was open to reprising her role as Storm, but mentioned that Reynolds never reached out to her. Despite missing out on a few actors, the film’s lineup is packed with nostalgia, making it a highly anticipated ride for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
As Deadpool 3 continues to celebrate the superhero legacies of both the Fox and Disney-Marvel eras, it’s clear that Reynolds and the team are pulling out all the stops to make it a memorable experience.
