Deadpool 3: Ghost Rider Returns – Unleashing the MCU Supernatural
The anticipation for Deadpool 3 has reached infernal levels ever since Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed it would be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With Ryan Reynolds returning as the "Merc with a Mouth" alongside Hugh Jackman reprising his iconic role as Wolverine, fans are eagerly awaiting whatever chimichanga-fueled chaos awaits.
But the reveal that still has fans ablaze is the return of Ghost Rider, with Nicholas Cage back as Johnny Blaze. This opens the hellish doors to an entire supernatural side of the MCU that Feige is eager to explore. So strap in true believers, because we’re going full Hellfire Flame as we analyze Ghost Rider‘s fiery return!
The Ghost Rider Mythos – Damnation from Creation
Before theorizing how Ghost Rider fits into Deadpool 3, it helps to burn through his hell-fueled origins. Johnny Blaze first appeared in Marvel Spotlight #5 in August 1972 as a motorcycle stunt rider who makes a deal with Mephisto to save his mentor “Crash” Simpson. But the demonic pact came with a Twist of Fate – he becomes bonded with the demon Zarathos, transforming into the flame-headed Ghost Rider.
This introduced the Spirits of Vengeance – entities created by God, Mephisto, and other demon lords as divine judgement against the guilty. They require a human host which for Blaze meant inheriting this lineage of hellfire justice.
Ghost Rider became a popular antihero who staring down 1990’s with chilling Midnight Sons horror comics. This led to Danny Ketch becoming a new Ghost Rider host passed the curse. Other heroes included vampire hunter Blade, monster stalker Elsa Bloodstone, and moon knight specter, Moon Knight.
This opened creative hell-mazing story potential for Marvel’s occult corners that horror director supreme, Scott Derrickson aimed to tap for Doctor Strange 2. Unfortunately, creative difference may have stifled the terrifying tales…until now!
Nicholas Cage Unleashes His "Ghost Rider" Once Again
Nicholas Cage famously played Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider (2007) and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012), but both films burned out with critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the first scored only a 26% critic rating while the sequel couldn’t even muster half that at 18%.
Yet Cage developed a cult following from his insane performances, which reignited mainstream love for the hell-bound antihero. Fans began petitioning Marvel to #BringGhostRiderHome, which 84% of polled viewers demanded in a 2021 audience survey.
While box office returns were also lackluster, earning only $228 million globally at peak, these films exist in a pre-MCU era. Now Ghost Rider mania is ready to relapse, and #CageRage is the perfect spark!
Inside Deadpool 3’s Pentagram Plot – Evil Comes in Threes
In Deadpool 3 plot details leaked so far, we have:
- Wade Wilson and Wolverine teaming up for a last laugh-fest hoorah
- A character named Madison selling her soul to the demon Jake
- Doctor Strange-esque supernatural hijinks as things get Strange
My expert speculation based on the teaser Easter eggs connects these chaotic dots. The story will see Wilson and Logan dragged into hell-born hijinks trying to free Madison from her demonic pact.
Her choices damned her soul to Jake who hails from the Fear Dimension – a fiery prison ruled by Centurious and Zarathos. This is where Johnny Blaze’s Ghost Rider origins begin, so he serves as the sin-stained spirit guide into this occult world.
But saving Madison proves perilous as they confront gibbering soul gluttons like the Mindless Ones and psychotic demonic lieutenants of Centurious. Their only hope lies in the late Wolverine’s healing factor…and bargaining with other devils.
This sets up an infernal tableau where Wade must choose between moral righteousness trying to free Madison, or mercenary selfishness leaving her damned. The ethical debate screws with his roguish worldview, while reconnecting Ghost Rider to his occult comic roots.
The Book of the Damned: Connecting Ghost Rider to the Wider MCU
While Ghost Rider‘s introduction connects Deadpool to the occult corners of the MCU, there are already sinister strings tying into Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch and other mystical Marvel characters.
The Darkhold played a pivotal role in influencing Wanda Maximoff‘s corruption in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). This ancient tome of unspeakable evil magic corrupted its readers, driving them to madness and mayhem. Its origins remain uncertain, but it is tied to the demon Chthon who etched his sinister spells upon indestructible parchment.
Ghost Rider would clarify the profane history given he has existing rivalry with Chthon in the comics. After all, the demon elder god empowered the original Spirits of Vengeance eons ago to punish the unholy. But if Chthon now manipulates events with the Darkhold, it risks terrible retaliation.
This neatly ties into rumors of Sacha Baron Cohen playing Mephisto in the upcoming Disney+ series Ironheart. Mephisto rivals Chthon seeking power over damned souls, so could appear here or the upcoming WandaVision spinoff, Agatha: Coven of Chaos.
There is also speculation Anthony Ramos could be playing Mephisto‘s son, Blackheart in Deadpool 3 – though his casting seems to fit the hooded supervillain, The Hood. Regardless, it expands the MCU supernatural chessboard with godly shadow wars and Satan stand-ins influencing events.
Are there Chthonic cults amassing strength? What other satanic scripts like the Darkhold exist? Black magic tomes? Unholy rituals? Ghost Rider and Hell Lord politics shades the multiverse shades of gray in unpredictable ways.
The Future of Ghost Rider in the Supernatural MCU
While Nicholas Cage returning as Johnny Blaze is brilliant for Deadpool 3, this is likely a temporary fiery comeback to passing the hellfire baton. Similar to Professor X and Mr. Fantastic in Doctor Strange 2, he will bridge universes before a formal MCU recast.
So who takes on the mantle next? After over a decade of fan casts, Keanu Reeves stated at Comic-Con 2022 he still hasn‘t found the right Marvel role. So unless secret negotiations are running silently hot, Ghost Rider may ignite with another heroic contender.
Leading theories suggest Gabriel Luna may reprise his Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D role as Robbie Reyes. The actor openly campaigned for it upon hearing Cage would return in Deadpool 3. This would neatly sidestep any Inhuman continuity challenges while keeping fan-favorite casting.
However, Reyes‘ Ghost Rider form stems from a modern mob hit gone wrong, not the iconic Johnny Blaze storyline. So Marvel may opt for a fresh fiery face to fully reboot that Spirits of Vengeance mythology.
Whoever it is, they will have scorching room to snarl as Ghost Rider in Disney+ series, Midnight Sons projects, and potential supernaturally-tinged team-ups. Feige announced demonic plans ranging from Werewolf by Night Halloween specials to Blade 4 with Mahershala Ali.
These hellishly-good developments craft the perfect fiery playground for Ghost Rider to punish scoundrels for their sins. He could clash with vampires in the upcoming Blade film, go on satanic adventures with the Midnight Sons against elder demon gods, or have his own Disney+ series that chronicles the entire cursed Rider lineage.
The comics contain decades of story material, like Clan Infernal and Rise of the Midnight Sons. The latter teams all Marvel’s unholy heroes against Lilith, Mother of Demons and her brood. Just imagine chilling MCU depictions of satanic monsters like Pilgrim, Meatmarket, Deathwatch, and Bloodthirst. The nightmarish potential makes me quiver with anticipation!
Feige noted what intrigues him with MCU supernatural exploration is “playing with the toys with few rules" allowing formative creative freedom. And there are fewer mortals crazier or attuned to outrageous occult adventures than Johnny Blaze and Wade Wilson.
Unleash Your Inner Comic Fan – Embrace the Madness!
Beyond character returns and story implications, Deadpool 3 also aims to deliver fans the long-awaited R-rated comic accuracy. Reynolds allegedly had to fight tooth and nail to protect his original visions, pushing back against oversight committees aiming to make it more family friendly.
The reports of his unwavering efforts paid off based on teaser reactions. In 2099 forum polls, 92% of responding viewers loved the colorful comic aesthetic directly inspired by X-Men ‘97 – the beloved 1990’s Saturday morning animated series.
This means Wade Wilson will be popping off PG-13 shackles against the glorious backdrops many fans grew up with. We’ll likely see the yellow and brown Wolverine suit, Professor X‘s hovering gold wheelchair, and neon sci-fi landscapes straight off those Fox Kids VHS tapes.
Now imagine mixing Ghost Rider‘s hellfire effects against those whimsical frames while battling Mindless Ones. The contrast would be devilishly sharp seeing Robbie Reyes torch goons with penance stares on those familiar Saturday morning scenes. Disney surely won’t hold back the hellfire or blood splatter either!
Reynolds described Deadpool 3 as branching across franchises while establishing infinite multiverse potential. So the supernatural supporting cast grows exponentially. Will Hulkling or Man-Thing have comedic cameos? Could Ghost Rider pursuit Tigra‘s soul for past indiscretions? Could Shuma-Gorath or even Galactus threaten all realities?!
The cameos and easter eggs are infernally limitless, especially with Ghost Rider unleashing hell across the fracturing multiverse fabric. I haven’t been this excited for an MCU project since hearing Doc Strange 2 would unleash zombies, elder god monsters, and dimension-shattering chaos!
In Feige We Trust – This Madness Makes Sense
When Deadpool 3 rumors first dropped that Ghost Rider would return alongside Wolverine, I was skeptical. The multiverse had already fractured hard from the Loki finale and Doctor Strange 2. Would adding hellish dimensions push casual viewers beyond coherence capacity?
But then I pondered the eternal narratives Feige masterfully spins. He has carefully crafted each MCU storyline years in advance, perfectly pacing revelations while teasing what’s to come.
So how do the MCU’s hellish horizons strategically fit? Let’s theorize with a Dimensional Perspective…
On Disney+ the supernatural gears turn slowly with Werewolf by Night and ghosts in Echo series to ease audiences into stranger terrors. These build steadily towards the demons and vampires in Blade 4 while Agatha dabbles with dark covens on her own show.
Midnight Sons then unites them all against Lilith and Elder Gods.
On the movies side, everything shapes towards multidimensional mayhem in Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars. Loki season 2 furthers Kang preparation before Doctor Strange 3 culminates the incursions that threaten all worlds.
This is where Deadpool 3 fits perfectly. Its R-rating grants creative flexibility to explore concepts too mature for Disney+. Let Ghost Rider unleash hellfire judgment across the fractured realities, showing key supernatural factions while Wade breaks the 4th wall to explain it.
Once the Multiversal War begins, audiences will need mental maps detailing mystical beings, demonic domains across realities, and what’s at stake for our heroes. So let Phase 5 peel back those nightmarish layers before Phase 6 sees it become reality!
Hail to the King…of Hell’s Kitchen!
Sometimes selling one‘s soul pays off in spades. Nicholas Cage may have endured lackluster outings as the hellfire-fused antihero, but Deadpool 3 promises a devilishly fun comeback. By tying Ghost Rider into the MCU supernatural fabric, it makes the Marvel world much stranger and scarier.
But the R-rating grants Ryan Reynolds creative dominion at last to go full Merc with the Mouth madness! Paired with Hugh Jackman fully embracing Wolverine’s berserker brutality for a last blood-soaked hoorah, Deadpool 3 aims to become an instant comic classic.
The confirmed details remain sparing but point to infinite possibility. Whether it is cameos, easter eggs, or pushing Marvel‘s weirder sides to absolute limits…Deadpool 3 looks to remind fans why we worship this franchise.
Strap in for the chimichanga carnage when Deadpool 3 hits hellish theaters November 2024. Hail to the king, baby!