Marvel Studios’ upcoming sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is rumored to have just about every former Marvel actor making a cameo appearance. However, it sounds like fan-favorite star Nicolas Cage will not be among them. The eccentric performer famously portrayed Johnny Blaze, a stunt driver who makes a deal with the devil and transforms into the demonic Ghost Rider, through two films in the pre-MCU era. Ghost Rider and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance were disliked by both audiences and critics upon release, but have grown a cult following since they dropped in 2007 and 2011, respectively.
During a recent interview with the magazine GQ, Cage was asked if there were any plans for him to reprise the role for Marvel’s Doctor Strange follow-up. While expressing his desire to come back for another round alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, the actor did confirm that he won’t be in the film:
Oh, I don’t think so. I don’t think they’re casting me. I mean, I would do it. It would be fun. I’d love to work with Cumberbatch, but I don’t think that’s happening.
Nicolas Cage
Multiverse of Madness is currently on the back end of filming reshoots. It seems likely that, should Marvel want Cage to appear, they would have already contacted him about it. The film will see most of its main cast return from the first installment, with new addition Xochitl Gomez playing the multiverse busting America Chavez. With a plot taking place across multiple universes, it’s possible that any character could make a surprise resurfacing. One name that’s been making the rounds is Patrick Stewart‘s Professor Charles Xavier, who has the potential to finally bridge the gap between the MCU and Fox’s long-running X-Men franchise.
Fans can find out for sure when the next Doctor Strange lands in theaters on May 6th.
Source: Variety
