The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is no stranger to bold moves, but the latest rumor swirling around Hollywood has sent shockwaves through the fandom: Ryan Gosling is reportedly set to take on the role of Black Panther, not in the main timeline, but as a multiversal variant in an upcoming MCU project. This speculation, fueled by a recent comic book twist and years of viral memes, has sparked intense debate about representation, legacy, and the future of one of Marvel’s most culturally significant franchises.
The buzz began with the release of Marvel Knights: The World To Come #1 in 2025, a comic by Christopher Priest and Joe Quesada that introduced Ketema, a white character revealed as T’Challa’s son and the new Black Panther. In a dramatic unmasking, Ketema, with blonde hair and blue eyes, declares himself the new king of Wakanda, igniting a firestorm of reactions. The comic, set in a speculative future after T’Challa’s death, explores themes of lineage and identity, with Ketema’s origins tied to T’Challa’s early love interest, Monica Lynne. This unexpected twist revived a long-standing internet meme depicting Ryan Gosling as Black Panther, a satirical jab at Hollywood’s history of whitewashing that first surfaced in 2018. Now, with Ketema’s canonical existence, fans are speculating whether Gosling could bring this controversial character to life on screen.
The idea of Gosling as Black Panther stems from more than just memes. Marvel Studios has a history of embracing fan-favorite casting ideas, as seen with John Krasinski’s brief appearance as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Gosling, a versatile actor with deep ties to Disney through roles in The All-New Mickey Mouse Club and the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, has long been rumored for various MCU roles, including Ghost Rider and Nova. In 2022, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige expressed enthusiasm about finding a place for Gosling in the MCU, citing his star power and versatility. Gosling’s own interest in playing Ghost Rider, voiced during a The Fall Guy promotional interview, further fueled speculation that he’s circling a major Marvel role.
The multiverse, a cornerstone of the MCU’s Phase Five and Six, provides the perfect narrative framework for a character like Ketema. With films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars set to explore alternate realities, a white Black Panther variant could serve as a provocative addition to the storyline. However, the concept is fraught with challenges. Black Panther, as portrayed by Chadwick Boseman and later Letitia Wright as Shuri, is a symbol of African pride and resilience, deeply rooted in Wakanda’s cultural and historical significance. Casting a white actor, even as a multiversal variant, risks alienating fans who see the character as inseparable from its Black identity. The backlash to Ketema’s comic reveal, with fans on social media decrying the move as tone-deaf, suggests that such a casting choice could be divisive.
Yet, there’s potential for nuanced storytelling. The Marvel Knights series hints that Ketema’s role may not be straightforward—speculation ranges from him being a villain to a complex figure grappling with his Wakandan heritage. If adapted thoughtfully, Gosling’s portrayal could explore themes of identity, privilege, and legacy in a way that challenges audiences without undermining the core values of Black Panther. The MCU’s multiverse allows for experimentation, where a variant can exist without replacing T’Challa or Shuri in the main timeline. Fans point out that Marvel’s willingness to take risks, as seen in race-swapped or gender-bent characters like Sylvie in Loki, could make this a bold but feasible move.
On the flip side, the casting remains speculative. Marvel has not confirmed Gosling’s involvement, and the studio is still navigating the delicate task of continuing the Black Panther franchise after Boseman’s passing in 2020. With Black Panther 3 in development under Ryan Coogler, who is reportedly crafting a role for Denzel Washington, the focus remains on honoring Wakanda’s legacy. Fans protective of the franchise’s cultural weight argue that a white Black Panther, even in an alternate universe, could dilute its significance. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with some users joking about the meme becoming reality while others express unease at the idea.
Gosling’s potential casting as Ketema would undoubtedly be a polarizing choice, but it’s not without precedent in the MCU’s boundary-pushing narrative. Whether Marvel leans into the meme-fueled hype or opts for a safer path, the conversation around this rumor underscores the franchise’s power to provoke and challenge expectations. As the MCU heads toward its multiversal climax, all eyes are on whether Gosling will don the vibranium suit—and how Marvel will navigate the delicate balance of innovation and respect for its iconic hero.
