Skip to main content

Marvel and DC have frequently eyed the same stars as they’ve built their respective shared universes. After all, precious few actors carry on simultaneous roles in both the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and DC Extended Universe (DCEU). For his part, Keanu Reeves has not committed to either. But his rumored MCU role is a great fit for a very specific reason.

Keanu Reeves attends Arch press conference
Keanu Reeves attends Arch press conference | Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images

Keanu Reeves played a DC superhero 15 years ago

Over the years, Reeves has played a lot of action heroes. Neo from The Matrix and the titular assassin in John Wick are easily his best known. But the only comic book hero he’s played is DC Comics’ John Constantine. While his casting marks a departure from the comics, Reeves led 2005’s Constantine to solid box office and devoted fan base.

The actor has gotten close to working with Marvel though. He nearly landed the role of Yon-Rogg in Captain Marvel. But when Reeves’ commitment to the John Wick franchise stood in the way, Jude Law was cast in the MCU film instead. Now reports are circulating that Marvel has a very specific part in mind for Reeves.

But Marvel Studios reportedly wants him to play this character

For months, reports have been coming in about Reeves possibly playing the MCU’s version of Ghost Rider. That role was previously played by Nicolas Cage in a pair of movies released in 2007 and 2011. Gabriel Luna also appeared in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4 as the Robbie Reyes version of Ghost Rider. But it’s unclear whether that show remains in the MCU canon.

Of all Reeves’ rumored Marvel roles, this one makes the most sense because of the actor’s real-life passion for motorcycles. He told GQ about growing up in Toronto and falling in love with the bikes. Reeves even showed off his own motorcycle collection, which includes the one featured during the freeway chase in The Matrix Reloaded.

The actor even co-founded Los Angeles-based motorcycle company, Arch Motorcycle. Playing Ghost Rider in the MCU — who is, likewise, a motorcycle aficionado — would certainly give Reeves the opportunity to spend plenty of time on the vehicles.

Related

‘John Wick’: How Much Longer Should the Keanu Reeves Movie Series Go?

But will Reeves be interested in another franchise?

At 56 years old, Reeves seems like an unlikely fit to take on a new superhero role now. If nothing else, the actor already has his hands full with his existing franchises. He just returned to one of his earliest roles in Bill and Ted Face the Music. And he has sequels on the way for The Matrix and John Wick.

Of course, Reeves has proven he’s physically committed to carrying action movies for years to come. And the fact that Ghost Rider would involve heavy CGI to bring to life means Reeves’ age is even less of a concern. But until Marvel Studios or Reeves confirms anything, fans should still consider this casting a rumor, albeit a plausible one.

Best in Entertainment