Nicolas Cage has given his full support to Ryan Gosling’s take on Johnny Blaze, and the former Ghost Rider sounds eager to see what Marvel Studios does with the character.
Gosling was confirmed as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s new Spirit of Vengeance at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026, ending years of speculation about when Ghost Rider would make a proper MCU debut. Cage, who headlined two Sony-produced Marvel films released outside the MCU, has now publicly responded to the recast, and he has nothing but kind words for his successor.
Nicolas Cage Supports Ryan Gosling’s Ghost Rider
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet for the premiere of his new film, Madden (2026), Cage made clear he holds no resentment about another actor stepping into the role. He instead welcomed the chance for a fresh interpretation of Johnny Blaze in Marvel’s reboot.
“Ryan’s going to do his thing with it, and I’m looking forward to seeing it,” Cage told The Hollywood Reporter.
He also revealed that he and Gosling have remained on good terms away from the cameras: “Ryan knows how I feel about him as an actor; we’ve had nice conversations, and we stay in touch.” Cage repeated his enthusiasm for the casting and wished Gosling well, indicating an amicable handover rather than a contentious recasting.
Why Ryan Gosling’s Ghost Rider Casting Was Years in the Making
Marvel made the news official during its Hall H presentation on July 25, 2026, when Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige introduced Gosling as the star of a standalone Ghost Rider film.
The groundwork was laid in 2022, when Gosling told journalist Josh Horowitz that Ghost Rider was the Marvel character he most wanted to play. Horowitz later raised the idea with Feige, who expressed interest in finding Gosling a place in the MCU. Feige referenced that exchange before bringing Gosling onstage, and the actor confirmed conversations had taken place behind the scenes. Asked what drew him to the role, Gosling answered simply: “Just a feeling.”
Shawn Levy Is Directing Marvel’s Ghost Rider Reboot
Shawn Levy will direct. He and Gosling are already collaborating on Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Starfighter (2027), and the pair reportedly began discussing Ghost Rider during that production. Levy recalled eventually telling Gosling: “Bro, let’s ride.”
Levy also brings MCU experience, having directed the billion-dollar hit Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), and the partnership points to a fresh creative direction for the character.
How Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider Movies Fit Into Marvel History
Cage remains the actor most associated with Johnny Blaze’s live-action film appearances. He debuted in Ghost Rider (2007), directed by Mark Steven Johnson, before returning for Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012), in which Blaze attempts to protect a child from the Devil.
Both films drew mixed reviews, but Cage’s performance remains a key part of the character’s screen history. Marvel later introduced Gabriel Luna as Robbie Reyes/Ghost Rider in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Cage was reportedly considered for a cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine before ultimately not appearing. While Gosling’s version is a new interpretation of Johnny Blaze, not a continuation of Cage’s franchise, it is notable that the actor has replaced Cage as Marvel Studios increasingly blurs lines between the various Marvel canons.
Ghost Rider’s Release Date, Cast, and Details
The standalone film is targeting a July 28, 2028, theatrical release, placing it a couple of months after the projected release of the recently confirmed X-Men movie. Supporting cast news remains limited, though Connor Storrie has been linked to an undisclosed role, and Sacha Baron Cohen is rumored to reprise Mephisto following his appearance in Ironheart.
Marvel casting director Sarah Finn has described (via Comic Book Movie) Gosling as “the perfect choice” for the character.
Could Nicolas Cage Still Return to the MCU?
Cage’s comments do not rule out a future appearance. Speculation has surrounded a possible Ghost Rider role in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), though other rumors suggest Gosling could appear in the crossover instead. Marvel has not confirmed whether Cage will return in any capacity.
How do you feel about Ryan Gosling taking on the role of Ghost Rider? Let us know in the comments below!
