Keanu Reeves is the ideal actor for one specific MCU anti-hero, but his 2014 comments about Marvel Studios roles may reveal an obstacle.

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John Wick star Keanu Reeves could be a great casting choice for a certain MCU character, but the actor may not be joining the franchise soon. The MCU’s upcoming movies and shows will likely continue to introduce many new characters throughout the Multiverse Saga, including lesser known heroes and villains from the comics and, perhaps, some iconic Marvel figures. Naturally, the more popular characters might attract more popular actors, who could follow in the footsteps of MCU stars like Robert Downey Jr. And Scarlet Johansson and stay in the franchise for several years.

Some of the top famous Marvel characters who haven’t made their official debut so far in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s timeline include Silver Surfer, who could make a cameo in Phase 5’s upcoming The Fantastic Four; Nova, whose solo project has been confirmed by Marvel Studios; and Ghost Rider, who could be introduced soon given how the MCU is diving deeper into Marvel’s mystic lore. One famous actor could play any of these four characters, though which and when depends on his willingness to work long-term with Marvel Studios.

Keanu Reeves’ Comments On Marvel Contracts In 2014 Explained

Keanu Reeves Wasn’t Keen On Signing A Multi-Movie Contract Ten Years Ago

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While Keanu Reeves could be a great addition to the MCU in any role, Reeves has previously explained his hesitation about having to play the same role multiple times. Two years before Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed the MCU’s Doctor Strange for the first time, Keanu Reeves discussed the possibility of playing the Marvel sorcerer. In a 2014 interview with Collider, Reeves suggested that a “longtime contract” would be an obstacle to his casting as a superhero like Marvel’s Doctor Strange. Reeves said,

“From a practical standpoint the idea of a longtime contract is sort of “errr” because you want to make sure the material is up to a certain level. Like the good or great level. I like the idea. I go to those kinds of movies. I grew up on them and comics and graphic novels. [But] I didn’t know Doctor Strange as a character, I didn’t read that as a kid. I’m gonna have to read it. I remember reading something… who’s going to play Doctor Strange ? Would I be good for the role?”

Benedict Cumberbatch went on to play Doctor Strange for five movies within the Infinity Saga and one movie (up until Phase 5, at least) in the Multiverse Saga. Any actor who would have hesitated to play the character for more than one MCU appearance could have regretted their decision at this point, whereas Benedict Cumberbatch seems more than comfortable in the role nearly a decade after being cast. The more prominent the characters are, the more they require their respective actors to return often in solo projects and crossover events.

MCU Movie

Doctor Strange Role

Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange makes his MCU debut

Thor: Ragnarok

Doctor Strange makes a cameo helping Thor find Odin

Avengers: Infinity War

Doctor Strange sets up the Avengers’ victory against Thanos

Avengers: Endgame

Doctor Strange participates in the Battle of Earth

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Doctor Strange brings alternate-universe characters to the MCU and sends them back home

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Doctor Strange fights the Scarlet Witch

Why The Perfect MCU Casting For Keanu Reeves Is Probably Unlikely

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Keanu Reeves has been the subject of many fan castings throughout the years, but one of them stands out over the rest. Ghost Rider, the Spirit of Vengeance, has only made an appearance in the MCU multiverse through Nicolas Cage’s duology and Gabriel Luna’s Agents of SHIELD episodes. Yet, the proper MCU hasn’t even hinted at the anti-hero’s existence. Keanu Reeves’ inclination for stern, hard-boiled heroes with deadly skills makes him an ideal candidate for Johnny Blaze, and his enthusiasm for motorcycles and stuntwork goes hand in hand with the character’s stuntman background.

Everything Keanu Reeves Has Said About Being Cast In The MCU

From Doctor Strange to Wolverine, Keanu Reeves has a long history of statements indicating an acknowledgement of and possible role in the MCU.

However, Ghost Rider would likely require Keanu Reeves to return in multiple MCU projects. Once the anti-hero is introduced, Marvel Studios may wish to help him stand apart from previous versions by leaning on the MCU’s interconnected nature, incorporating Ghost Rider into crossovers and team-ups like a potential MCU Midnight Sons – a dark version of the Avengers composed of mystical heroes such as Blade, Moon Knight, and Doctor Strange. If Keanu Reeves’ opinion on long-term contracts is the same eight years after his Doctor Strange comments, he may not be keen on the idea.

Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch are both Ghost Riders and members of the Midnight Sons.

Why There’s Still Hope For Reeves’ Ghost Rider Casting

Marvel Contracts Have Become Less Strict Throughout The Years

Keanu Reeves has played John Wick four times since 2014, and he doesn’t seem to be leaving the character for good anytime soon. It’s possible that Reeves’ opinion on multi-installment franchises has changed since he turned down Doctor Strange. Letting John Wick rest while he takes up the role of Johnny Blaze would be a familiar experience, but it could also be a fresh change as he enters the biggest franchise in movie history. Considering how crowded the MCU has become, Reeves likely wouldn’t need to reprise his role as often as he would have had to with Doctor Strange.

Besides, Marvel Studios no longer relies on long-term contracts to keep the MCU’s stars attached to the franchise. Whereas actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie initially signed on to nine- and ten-movie contracts, other actors like Oscar Isaac have had the freedom to accept single-appearance contracts, which might motivate them to return without the pressure of having to set aside a decade of their life. On top of that, Ghost Rider (and Nova, for that matter) could easily pass on the torch to his successor shortly after his MCU introduction.