Reynolds Makes Bold Attempt to Bring Ghost Rider Back for Deadpool 3 Cameo
Ryan Reynolds revealed that he made an effort to bring Nicolas Cage back as Ghost Rider for a cameo in Deadpool 3 alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Reynolds, who starred in, co-wrote, and executive produced the film, shared the details during an appearance on Entertainment Weekly’s The Awardist podcast on November 7, 2024.
While discussing early drafts of the movie, Reynolds explained that ideas were floated to include both Cage 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 played the role of Ghost Rider in 2007’s 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 a larger plan to incorporate various Marvel characters from Fox’s era of superhero films, which Reynolds called a “love letter” to those movies.
“But we did talk to Nic Cage,” Reynolds said. “We tried to get him, but he was a no-go. I would’ve loved him.”
Marvel’s Fox Legacy
Deadpool 3 serves as a celebration of Marvel films produced by Fox, bringing back several characters from earlier superhero movies, including Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, Chris Evans’ Human Torch, and Wesley Snipes’ Blade. Additionally, Channing Tatum finally plays Gambit, a role that was scrapped during the Fox era but is now making its way to the big screen.
In the podcast, Reynolds also shared that other actors, like Henry Cavill and his wife Blake Lively, would make appearances in the film. Lively will appear alongside the couple’s children, Inez and Olin, who are set to play Kidpool and Babypool.
Missed Opportunities and Other Cameos
While Cage’s cameo was not meant to be, Deadpool 3 continues to surprise fans with its impressive roster of returning characters. Halle Berry also revealed in August that she was open to reprising her role as Storm in the film, but said Reynolds never reached out to her.
Despite missing some actors, Deadpool 3 promises a wild ride with its many surprises, and the film continues to celebrate the superhero legacy of both the Fox and Disney-Marvel eras.