Sorry, But Keanu Reeves’ Perfect MCU Casting Is Unlikely After His Contract Comments 10 Years Ago

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

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.

Why The Perfect MCU Casting For Keanu Reeves Is Probably Unlikely

Keanu Reeves Seems Like The Perfect Actor To Play The MCU’s Ghost Rider

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.

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.

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.

• 

  Ghost Rider

  Mark Steven Johnson’s Ghost Rider precedes the birth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by one year. Starring Nicolas Cage as the titular Marvel anti-hero, the 2007 movie takes Johnny Blaze’s origin story to the big screen with a supporting cast composed of the likes of Eva Mendes as Ghost Rider’s love interest Roxanne Simpson, Peter Fonda as the demon Mephistopheles, Wes Bentley as the villain Blackheart, and Sam Elliot as the previous wielder of the Spirit of Vengeance.

  Director

  Mark Steven Johnson

  Release Date

  
  January 15, 2007
  

  Writers

  Mark Steven Johnson

  Runtime

  110 minutes

• 

  Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

  The sequel to 2007’s Ghost Rider, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance sees Nicolas Cage reprise his role as the eponymous hero. When Johnny Blaze encounters the son of Mephisto (Ciaran Hinds), the demon who cursed him with the power of the Ghost Rider, he agrees to protect the boy from his father, prompting the amassed forces of Hell to hunt them. Blaze finds help in the form of Moreau (Idris Elba), an alcoholic monk, who helps Johnny and the child fight back against the demon.

  Director

  Neveldine/Taylor

  Release Date

  
  February 17, 2012
  

  Writers

  David S. Goyer
  , Seth Hoffman
  , Scott M. Gimple

  Runtime

  95 minutes