Ryan Gosling as Black Panther? Exploring the MCU’s Controversial Multiverse Rumor

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has never shied away from bold moves, but the latest rumor swirling around Hollywood has fans buzzing with excitement, confusion, and heated debate. The claim? Ryan Gosling, the Canadian heartthrob known for roles in Barbie and La La Land, is allegedly set to portray a version of Black Panther from another universe in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday or Black Panther 3. The phrase “This is diversity done right” has been tied to this speculation, igniting discussions about representation, the multiverse, and Marvel’s creative direction. But where did this rumor come from, and could it actually happen? Let’s dive into the origins, implications, and fan reactions to this surprising development.

The Origin of the Rumor

The spark for this rumor can be traced back to the release of Marvel Knights: The World To Come #1 in June 2025. In this comic, a new character named Ketema is introduced as the son of T’Challa, the original Black Panther. In a shocking twist, Ketema unmasks himself to reveal he is a white man with blond hair and blue eyes, a stark departure from the traditionally Black, African-rooted character. Fans quickly noted Ketema’s resemblance to Ryan Gosling, reigniting a long-running meme that began in 2018, when Gosling’s face was photoshopped onto Black Panther’s body. This meme resurfaced in 2023 when reports suggested Gosling was in talks for an MCU role, with some jokingly proposing he could play the Wakandan hero.

The multiverse, a cornerstone of the MCU’s Phase Five and Six, provides a narrative loophole for such a casting. With films like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness introducing variants like John Krasinski’s Reed Richards, Marvel has shown a willingness to experiment with fan-favorite actors in unexpected roles. The idea of a white Black Panther from an alternate universe, while controversial, aligns with the MCU’s exploration of infinite possibilities. Posts on X have amplified the speculation, with users like @MCUSource claiming, “RUMOR: Ryan Gosling will be the new Black Panther in the #MCU from another universe!”. However, no official confirmation from Marvel Studios or Gosling’s team has substantiated these claims.

The Cultural Significance of Black Panther

To understand why this rumor is so polarizing, we must first acknowledge the cultural weight of Black Panther. Introduced in 1966 as the first Black superhero in mainstream American comics, T’Challa became a symbol of African pride and empowerment. The 2018 Black Panther film, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Chadwick Boseman, was a global phenomenon, earning over $1.3 billion at the box office and seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It celebrated African culture, addressed themes of identity and responsibility, and provided representation that resonated deeply with Black audiences worldwide.

Boseman’s untimely passing in 2020 due to colon cancer left an irreplaceable void. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) honored his legacy by passing the mantle to Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, who became the new Black Panther. The decision not to recast T’Challa was widely praised, as it respected Boseman’s iconic performance while advancing the story through Wakanda’s existing characters. The introduction of Ketema in the comics, and the subsequent Gosling rumor, has raised concerns among some fans that this move could undermine the character’s cultural significance. One X user expressed skepticism, stating, “Ryan Gosling as the new Black Panther and he is not Black. Oh, that’s not going to go over well”.

The Case for Gosling as a Multiversal Black Panther

On the surface, casting Ryan Gosling as a Black Panther variant seems like a risky move, but the multiverse offers creative flexibility. In an alternate universe, the rules of Wakanda’s lineage, culture, and even the Black Panther mantle could differ dramatically. For instance, Ketema’s origins in the comics are murky, with speculation that his mother might not be Monica Lynne, T’Challa’s Black love interest, but rather Nicole Adams, a character presumed dead but potentially revived. This narrative ambiguity allows Marvel to explore unconventional stories without altering the main MCU timeline, where Shuri remains the Black Panther.

Gosling’s appeal as an actor also makes him a compelling choice. With a career spanning intense dramas (Drive), romantic musicals (La La Land), and blockbuster comedies (Barbie), he has proven his versatility and charisma. His recent casting in Star Wars: Starfighter, set for release in 2027, demonstrates his ability to anchor major franchises. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has previously expressed interest in finding a role for Gosling, with rumors linking him to characters like Ghost Rider and Nova. Gosling himself has fueled speculation by expressing enthusiasm for Ghost Rider, a role he’s familiar with through his partner Eva Mendes’ involvement in the 2007 film.

The phrase “This is diversity done right” suggests a provocative take on inclusivity, possibly implying that the multiverse allows for diverse interpretations of iconic characters without erasing their core identities. In this context, Gosling’s casting could be framed as a bold experiment, showcasing how different cultures or individuals might embody the Black Panther’s values—leadership, strength, and protection—in an alternate reality.

The Case Against It

Despite the creative possibilities, the idea of a white Black Panther, even in the multiverse, has sparked significant backlash. Black Panther’s identity is deeply tied to African heritage and the fictional nation of Wakanda, a technologically advanced society that resisted colonization. Casting a white actor in this role, even as a variant, risks being perceived as tone-deaf or exploitative, especially given the character’s role as a beacon of Black representation. The 2018 meme of Gosling as Black Panther was already controversial, often used in discussions about race-swapping in Hollywood. Its revival in 2025, coupled with Ketema’s introduction, has led some fans to accuse Marvel of whitewashing, with one X post warning of potential boycotts for Avengers: Doomsday.

Critics argue that Marvel has countless other roles for Gosling that wouldn’t carry the same cultural baggage. For example, his rumored interest in Ghost Rider aligns with his action-hero credentials and wouldn’t infringe on a character tied to specific ethnic or cultural roots. Additionally, Black Panther 3 is already shaping up to be a major project, with Ryan Coogler returning as director and Denzel Washington confirmed for a yet-to-be-revealed role. Introducing a white Black Panther variant could overshadow the film’s focus on Wakanda’s legacy and Boseman’s enduring impact.

Fan Reactions and the Power of Memes

The Gosling-Black Panther rumor highlights the internet’s ability to amplify speculation through memes and social media. The original 2018 meme was a satirical jab at Hollywood casting trends, but its resurgence in 2025, fueled by Ketema’s reveal, has taken on a life of its own. Fans have flooded X with reactions ranging from enthusiastic support to outright disbelief. One user pleaded, “PLEASE Marvel and Disney I want this,” alongside a photo of Gosling as Ken, while another quipped, “Life is a horror movie in 2025”. The humor and absurdity of the meme have kept the conversation alive, even as skeptics like @Pauline98476699 assert, “This won’t be happening. I assure everyone”.

This phenomenon isn’t new for Marvel. The casting of John Krasinski as a Reed Richards variant in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was partly inspired by years of fan-casting online. Similarly, the Gosling rumor could be Marvel testing the waters or simply a case of fans projecting their desires onto an ambiguous comic storyline. The fact that Ketema’s design bears a striking resemblance to Gosling—blond hair, blue eyes, chiseled features—has only fueled the fire, with some speculating that Marvel deliberately leaned into the meme for publicity.

What’s Next for Black Panther and the MCU?

As of now, Black Panther 3 is slated for a February 2028 release, with Coogler at the helm and much of the original cast—Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Winston Duke—expected to return. Denzel Washington’s involvement adds significant star power, though his role remains undisclosed. The film is likely to continue exploring Shuri’s journey as Black Panther while expanding Wakanda’s role in the MCU’s multiversal narrative. Avengers: Doomsday, set for December 2026, will feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and could include multiple Black Panther variants, given its focus on the multiverse.

Whether Gosling joins the MCU as a Black Panther variant or in another capacity remains uncertain. His current commitments, including Star Wars: Starfighter, suggest a packed schedule, but his expressed interest in Marvel roles keeps the door open. If Marvel were to pursue this casting, they would need to navigate the delicate balance of honoring Black Panther’s legacy while justifying a multiversal twist that doesn’t alienate fans.

The Bigger Picture

The Gosling-Black Panther rumor raises broader questions about representation and storytelling in the MCU. The multiverse allows for creative freedom, but it also risks diluting the unique identities of characters like T’Challa. While some fans embrace the idea of a white Black Panther as a playful nod to the multiverse’s possibilities, others see it as a step backward from the progress made by the Black Panther franchise. The phrase “This is diversity done right” could be interpreted as sarcastic or aspirational, depending on one’s perspective, but it underscores the ongoing debate about how diversity is portrayed in blockbuster cinema.

For now, the rumor remains just that—a rumor, fueled by a provocative comic twist and the internet’s love for memes. Marvel’s track record suggests they’re aware of fan sentiment and will tread carefully with any decisions about Black Panther’s future. Whether Gosling ever dons the Vibranium suit or not, the conversation around this rumor reflects the passion and complexity of fandom in the MCU’s ever-expanding universe.

Conclusion

The idea of Ryan Gosling as a multiversal Black Panther is a fascinating case study in how comics, memes, and fan speculation can shape Hollywood narratives. While the concept is intriguing, it carries significant risks given Black Panther’s cultural importance. As Marvel continues to push the boundaries of the multiverse, they’ll need to balance innovation with respect for the characters that have defined their legacy. Fans eagerly awaiting Black Panther 3 and Avengers: Doomsday will have to stay tuned to see if this wild rumor becomes reality or remains a viral what-if. Until then, the debate rages on, proving that Wakanda’s story is as powerful and divisive as ever.