Marvel fans got a lot of insights in the superhit ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ conversation on Entertainment Weekly‘s Awardist podcast featuring Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and director Shawn Levy. The trio reminisced about the creative process behind the recent blockbuster.
They also made a shocking revelation about the film and how it nearly included Nicolas Cage’s iconic portrayal of Ghost Rider. Despite the tantalizing potential, Cage’s character ultimately didn’t make the cut.
Ryan Reynolds Really Wanted Nicholas Cage’s Ghost Rider To Be In ‘Deadpool And Wolverine’
Ryan Reynolds, who juggled multiple roles as lead actor, writer, and executive producer on the film, admitted the team made serious efforts to secure Nicholas Cage for a cameo. “We did talk to Nic Cage,” Reynolds revealed during the podcast. “We tried to get him, but he was a no-go. I would’ve loved him.”
The revelation comes after the recent unveiling of an early illustration depicting a massive Deadpool Corps battle scene. Fans were quick to spot Ghost Rider among the array of characters. Moreover, this sparked a lot of excitement and speculation about the movie’s original scope.
Cage, who played the hellfire-infused motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze in ‘Ghost Rider’ and its sequel ‘Spirit of Vengeance’, remains a nostalgic figure for many Marvel enthusiasts. His gritty, unhinged portrayal could have added a unique spark to the chaotic universe of Deadpool.
The film’s creators had ambitious ideas for a sequence packed with Marvel legends. Alongside Cage’s Ghost Rider, early drafts included Ben Affleck’s Daredevil and Chris Evans’ Human Torch. While Evans’ Human Torch came back, a lot of others couldn’t.
“The movie is a culmination of years of ideas. Not all of them make it, but each one contributes to what we create. We wanted Nic, and maybe there’ll be a day we get to see Ghost Rider in all his flaming glory back on screen. Until then, I’m grateful for what we did manage to pull off,” Reynolds concluded.
Nicholas Cage Made His Superhero Comeback With A Superman Cameo In ‘The Flash’
Although Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider didn’t make it in ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’, the actor recently made a surprise appearance in another superhero universe. Cage reprised a long-dreamed-of role in DC’s ‘The Flash’, portraying an alternate-reality version of Superman. This brief yet significant moment paid homage to ‘Superman Lives’, (a shelved Tim Burton project).
Reflecting on his cameo, Cage spoke highly of ‘The Flash’ director Andy Muschietti. “I think [Muschietti] is a terrific director… and I loved his two It movies,” Cage said.
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In his scene for the film, he had no dialogue to rely on. So, Cage used his expressive eyes to convey the weight of the moment. “I had no dialogue [so had to] convey with my eyes the emotion,” he explained.
The scene was brief, filmed in just three hours, but it resonated with fans as a nod to what could have been. Moreover, Cage’s appearance in ‘The Flash’ was a dream come true for many fans who had long awaited his take on the iconic superhero. While the role was brief, it left a lasting impression.
