Marvel Studios' plans for its next cinematic saga may be taking shape, with a new Ghost Rider film starring Ryan Gosling reportedly in development. This project could potentially bridge the gap for Mahershala Ali's Blade, a character whose solo film has faced significant delays.
The introduction of Ghost Rider, a key figure in Marvel's supernatural lore, opens the door for the formation of the Midnight Sons. In the comics, Ghost Rider and Blade are both founding members of this team of supernatural vigilantes. If Gosling's Ghost Rider movie serves as an introduction to this darker, mystic side of the MCU, it could provide a natural pathway for Blade to finally make a substantial appearance.
The Midnight Sons first appeared in a 1992 comic crossover event that united characters from series like Ghost Rider, Morbius, and Nightstalkers, the latter featuring Blade, Frank Drake, and Hannibal King. This original team battled Lilith, the Mother of Demons. While the team's initial run was short-lived, the Midnight Sons concept has seen revivals in later comics, expanding the roster to include characters such as Moon Knight, Doctor Voodoo, and Magik.
The long-gestating Blade reboot, first announced in 2019, has encountered considerable behind-the-scenes difficulties. Mahershala Ali's Blade has only had a voice-only cameo in the MCU thus far, leaving fans eager for his proper introduction. If the solo film is indeed shelved, a Midnight Sons crossover film could offer an alternative route for the character. The success of a Ghost Rider film, anchored by a popular star like Ryan Gosling, could bolster Marvel's interest in a mystic-themed saga, allowing for the integration of existing supernatural characters like Oscar Isaac's Moon Knight and Gael García Bernal's Werewolf by Night.
Reports of a Midnight Sons movie have circulated, with Moon Knight actor Oscar Isaac hinting at "interesting talk" regarding the project. Furthermore, industry speculation suggests that Blade's introduction may occur within a Midnight Sons film rather than a solo outing. This approach could allow Marvel to finally bring the Daywalker to the big screen, potentially setting him up to face villains like Dracula, a classic adversary for the supernatural team. If a Ghost Rider film facilitates Blade's MCU debut, it would be a welcome development for fans of the character.