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Love it or hate it, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has changed the way movies are told on the big screen. By translating the interconnected storytelling of the comics, the MCU created the modern shared universe. And thanks to its success, the franchise is attracting top talent throughout the industry. The one star it has yet to snag though? Keanu Reeves.

The John Wick star has an affection for comic books and superheroes. He even played a DC Comics hero in 2005’s Constantine. But despite his love for Marvel, Reeves has yet to join the MCU. The actor recently said he’d given up on dreams of taking on one iconic character. While Reeves may not be focused on Marvel, the MCU seems intent on winning him over.

Keanu Reeves at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards
Keanu Reeves at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards | Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Marvel Studios has a knack for casting the right actors

Besides its interconnected storytelling, perhaps the most popular aspect of the MCU is its casting. The franchise initially stood on the shoulders of Robert Downey Jr.’s confident performance as Tony Stark in 2008’s Iron Man. But that movie also started the trend of bringing Oscar-winning and Oscar-nominated talent into the MCU.

From the beginning, Marvel Studios has set out to cast the right people for each of its roles. In many cases, that does involve proven talent, stars like Brie Larson. But just as often, the MCU steps up to propel rising stars into the spotlight. Chris Hemsworth, for example, was barely known to American audiences before wielding the hammer in 2011’s Thor.

The MCU is very determined to work with Keanu Reeves

Reeves definitely fits the bill as a fan-favorite performer. The actor has a long history with sci-fi, action, and superhero projects. And he even got very close to sharing the screen with Larson in 2019’s Captain Marvel. As it turns out, the MCU is more determined to land Reeves than fans thought.

“We talk to [Keanu Reeves] for almost every film we make,” Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige told ComicBook.com in 2019. “I don’t know when, if, or ever he’ll join the MCU, but we very much want to figure out the right way to do it.”

This courtship-like approach, Feige mentioned, is one Marvel employed with Jake Gyllenhaal as well. The Oscar-nominated actor ultimately signed on to star as Mysterio in Spider-Man: Far From Home. The question then is: which role is strong enough to entice Reeves? And has Marvel found it?

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Could the actor actually have an MCU project in his future?

According to rumors, Marvel Studios is talking with Reeves about playing the MCU’s version of Ghost Rider. Like DC’s Constantine, the character has a connection to the occult. So it feels like a natural transition for Reeves in that regard. Plus, the actor has a real-life passion for motorcycles, one he shares with Ghost Rider.

Of course, the internet is overloaded with rumors and speculation regarding the MCU. So there’s no way of knowing how much truth there is to those Ghost Rider rumors. On paper, Reeves seems like a good fit for the role, which Nicolas Cage previously played on the big screen. Hopefully, Reeves and Marvel find their match soon.

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