Ryan Gosling’s name has resurfaced amid Marvel Comics’ reveal of a white Black Panther named Ketema, igniting debate and viral fan speculation.
Could Black Panther ever be portrayed by Ryan Gosling? That viral meme has returned to the spotlight—this time with a surprising twist that has fans doing a double take.
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In Marvel Knights: The World To Come #1, released in 2025, Marvel Comics shocked readers by introducing Ketema, a white young man revealed to be wearing the iconic Black Panther suit. The twist? Ketema is the son of T’Challa, Wakanda’s legendary protector, and has now claimed the mantle for himself. With his reveal, long-dormant internet jokes about Ryan Gosling playing the character have been reignited.
The meme, which once seemed purely satirical, now feels eerily on-brand for some fans after Ketema’s explosive debut. In the comic, T’Challa—now deceased—appears in a flashback facing off against Ketema in a ritual combat challenge. As the battle escalates, Ketema unmasks himself, revealing his pale skin and blond hair, and declares, “I am king now. Wakanda is mine.”
This surprising development in the Black Panther mythos has fueled intense online conversation. Fans are questioning Ketema’s true origins, especially given that both of T’Challa’s known love interests—Storm and Monica Lynne—are Black. While the comic hints at a possible reunion between T’Challa and Monica, it remains unclear whether Ketema is biologically their child or the result of another relationship. Despite claiming T’Challa as his father, Ketema expresses deep resentment, accusing him of manipulation and dishonor during their confrontation.
Created by comic legends Christopher Priest and Joe Quesada, this new installment also features work by Richard Isanove, Richard Starkings, and Comicraft’s Tyler Smith. Their bold reimagining of the Black Panther legacy presents an unorthodox future for Wakanda—one that has clearly struck a nerve with longtime fans.
As debates swirl around the possibility of a white Black Panther, the Ryan Gosling meme has gone from absurd to oddly prophetic for some. Still, there’s no indication that Marvel Studios plans to bring Ketema or Ryan Gosling into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With The World To Come just beginning, fans will have to wait to see how this storyline unfolds—and whether Ketema proves to be a true heir or just a divisive detour in Wakandan lore.
