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June 6th, 2025

ryan gosling black panther

The trending association of Ryan Gosling with Black Panther stems from a long-running internet meme that resurfaced with force after Marvel Comics introduced a new character, Ketema, who appears to be white, as a future Black Panther. This move sparked widespread backlash and reignited the humorous, yet pointed, fan speculation about Gosling taking on the role. The original meme, dating back to at least 2019, playfully suggested Gosling as a surprising choice for the Wakandan hero. Now, with Marvel's controversial narrative twist, the meme has gained new traction, serving as a satirical commentary on the comic book giant's creative decisions and the perceived racial implications of a white Black Panther.

Marvel Comics
Pop Culture

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Meme Origin
2019
The 'Ryan Gosling as Black Panther' meme first appeared around July 2019, playfully suggesting the actor for the role.
Controversial Character
Ketema
Marvel Comics introduced Ketema, a new character depicted as white, as a future Black Panther, sparking outrage.
Social Media Buzz
Viral Resurgence
The controversy surrounding Ketema caused the Gosling meme to go viral again, with fans using it for satirical commentary.

The Backstory

AI Generated

The 'Ryan Gosling as Black Panther' meme originated years ago, with fans humorously Photoshopping the actor into the iconic suit. This playful speculation gained traction online, often resurfacing around major Marvel announcements or film releases. It was largely an inside joke within certain fan communities.

Behind the Buzz

AI Generated

The meme exploded back into mainstream consciousness following Marvel Comics' recent reveal of Ketema, a new character who appears white, taking on the Black Panther mantle. This controversial decision led to widespread backlash on social media, with many users reviving the Gosling meme as a satirical response to the perceived racial implications of the new comic storyline.

Global Impact

AI Generated

While primarily a Western pop culture phenomenon, the controversy surrounding a white Black Panther and the accompanying memes have resonated globally within comic book and superhero fandoms. It highlights ongoing discussions about representation, character integrity, and creative direction in major media franchises, impacting how diverse audiences perceive these narratives.

Cultural Significance

AI Generated

The trending topic underscores the significant cultural impact of the Black Panther character, who represents Black excellence and empowerment for many. The meme's resurgence, in this context, serves as a form of digital protest and commentary, reflecting fan expectations and anxieties about the future direction of beloved characters and their symbolic meanings.

Looking Ahead

AI Generated

The ongoing buzz around Ryan Gosling and Black Panther will likely continue as Marvel Comics develops the Ketema storyline. This situation could influence future comic book narratives and potentially even film adaptations, as creators gauge fan reactions and address concerns about character representation and legacy within the Marvel universe.

Key Takeaway

Ryan Gosling is trending with Black Panther due to a viral meme that resurfaced in response to Marvel Comics' controversial introduction of a white character, Ketema, as a future Black Panther, sparking widespread debate about representation.

Fun Fact

Before Chadwick Boseman was cast, Wesley Snipes tried for years to get a Black Panther movie made, even meeting with Marvel in the early 1990s.

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