Imagine the multiverse as a sprawling, interconnected web of endless possibilities where beloved characters from various franchises collide in epic, mind-bending adventures. In Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel fans got a taste of this chaotic, universe-spanning thrill ride.

The film, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, was a comic book fan’s dream come true, blending action, humor, and nostalgia into a rollercoaster of a movie. Yet, as electrifying as it was, concept art revealed that it could have been even more spectacular.

In an alternate universe not too far from our own, Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider and Ben Affleck’s Daredevil almost joined the fray, promising a crossover that would have blown the minds of even the most seasoned Marvel aficionados.

It’s the kind of wild, star-studded team-up that could have redefined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as we know it, potentially setting the stage for an even grander spectacle in the forthcoming Secret Wars.

The possibility of seeing Cage’s fiery Ghost Rider and Affleck’s brooding Daredevil alongside Deadpool and Wolverine is enough to send shivers down the spine of any comic book enthusiast. However, despite the tantalizing potential, this epic crossover never made it past the concept stage, leaving fans with nothing but a glimpse of what could have been.

The idea of bringing Cage’s Ghost Rider and Affleck’s Daredevil into the Deadpool & Wolverine universe wasn’t just a fleeting thought—it was seriously considered by the film’s creative team. Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the masterminds behind Deadpool’s sharp wit and offbeat humor, confirmed that they had indeed discussed the possibility of including these two Marvel icons in the movie.

The revelation, made via a tweet from Culture Crave that quickly went viral, sent fans into a frenzy. The concept art, which showcased Cage and Affleck in action alongside other original Marvel heroes, hinted at the epic scale of the battle that could have taken place. The idea of Ghost Rider’s hellfire chains swinging through the chaos while Daredevil’s acrobatic combat skills were unleashed in full force was enough to ignite the imaginations of millions.

However, as the saying goes, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Despite the initial excitement, the inclusion of Ghost Rider and Daredevil ultimately didn’t pan out. Reynolds, who has become synonymous with Deadpool, admitted that while they talked about bringing Cage’s Ghost Rider into the mix, it never materialized.

For Affleck’s Daredevil, the decision to cut him was made during the writing process. According to the writers, while the idea was intriguing, they felt that the story needed to remain focused and tight, without the added complexity that these additional characters would have brought.

The news that Cage’s Ghost Rider and Affleck’s Daredevil were cut from Deadpool & Wolverine was met with a mix of disappointment and understanding from the fanbase. On one hand, the idea of seeing these characters interact with Deadpool and Wolverine was undeniably thrilling.

On the other hand, the film as it stands is a complete and cohesive story, with enough cameos and Easter eggs to satisfy even the most die-hard Marvel fan. The writers made a conscious choice to keep the film streamlined, and it paid off at the box office, where Deadpool & Wolverine broke records and cemented its place as one of the most successful entries in the MCU.

But what if? That’s the question that lingers in the minds of fans who can’t help but wonder what might have been. The concept art that was leaked showcased not just Ghost Rider and Daredevil, but also other wild elements like Dinopool—yes, a dinosaur version of Deadpool—and even lightsabers!

It’s clear that the creative team behind Deadpool & Wolverine was unafraid to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a comic book movie. The inclusion of Cage and Affleck would have only added to the film’s over-the-top, anything-goes atmosphere, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

The leak of the concept art sparked a wave of reactions online, with fans taking to Twitter to express their excitement and frustration. “I hope we get Cage and Affleck in Secret Wars,” one fan tweeted, echoing the sentiments of many who are holding out hope that these characters might still have a place in the MCU’s future.

The idea of Secret Wars, a massive crossover event that brings together heroes from across the multiverse, has been a tantalizing prospect for Marvel fans ever since the concept was first introduced in the comics. If there’s any film that could finally bring Cage’s Ghost Rider and Affleck’s Daredevil into the MCU proper, it’s Secret Wars.

The idea of multiverse crossovers isn’t new to Marvel fans. The MCU has already dipped its toes into this concept with films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home, which brought together different versions of beloved characters in a single film.

The success of these movies has only whetted fans’ appetites for more multiverse madness. The possibility of seeing Cage’s Ghost Rider, who originally appeared in the 2007 Ghost Rider film, and Affleck’s Daredevil, from the 2003 film of the same name, join the MCU in Secret Wars would be the ultimate fan service—a way to acknowledge the rich history of Marvel films while also moving the franchise forward.

But why Cage’s Ghost Rider and Affleck’s Daredevil? What is it about these characters that makes their potential return so exciting? For one, both actors brought something unique to their roles, something that set their portrayals apart from the standard superhero fare.

Cage’s Ghost Rider was a wild, over-the-top character, perfectly suited to the actor’s eccentric style. His portrayal of Johnny Blaze, a stunt motorcyclist who makes a deal with the devil, was both intense and memorable, with the character’s flaming skull becoming an iconic image in the world of comic book movies.

Affleck’s Daredevil, on the other hand, was a darker, more brooding figure. The 2003 Daredevil film was a grittier take on the superhero genre, with Affleck’s Matt Murdock struggling with his blindness and the weight of his vigilante alter-ego.

While the film received mixed reviews, Affleck’s performance was praised for its depth and complexity, making Daredevil a character that many fans felt deserved a second chance in the MCU. With the success of the Daredevil series on Netflix, which introduced a new version of the character played by Charlie Cox, there’s been renewed interest in seeing how Affleck’s take on the character might interact with the broader MCU.

The potential return of these characters in Secret Wars could be more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It could also serve as a way to explore the concept of legacy within the MCU. As the franchise continues to evolve, there’s been an increasing focus on the idea of passing the torch to new generations of heroes.

Bringing back Cage’s Ghost Rider and Affleck’s Daredevil could provide an opportunity to explore how these older, more experienced characters might influence or mentor the next wave of heroes. It would also be a way to honor the history of Marvel films, acknowledging the contributions of actors and characters who helped pave the way for the MCU’s success.

As exciting as the prospect of seeing Cage’s Ghost Rider and Affleck’s Daredevil in Secret Wars is, it’s important to remember that nothing is set in stone. The concept art for Deadpool & Wolverine shows just how close we came to seeing these characters in action, but it also serves as a reminder that the creative process is full of twists and turns. Decisions are made for a variety of reasons, and while fans may be disappointed that certain ideas didn’t make it into the final cut, it’s also a testament to the strength of the MCU that even without these characters, Deadpool & Wolverine was still a massive success.

In the end, the idea of Cage’s Ghost Rider and Affleck’s Daredevil joining the MCU remains one of those tantalizing “what if?” scenarios that fans will continue to speculate about for years to come.

The multiverse is a vast and unpredictable place, and as the MCU continues to expand, there’s always a chance that these characters could make a comeback. Whether it’s in Secret Wars or another future film, the door is always open for these iconic characters to return. Until then, fans can only hope that the Marvel gods are listening and that one day, we’ll get to see the crossover of our dreams.