Nicolas Cage, who starred as the Spirit of Vengeance in two Sony Marvel films outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has addressed Marvel Studios’ decision to recast the character, offering a notably generous response.
A Gracious Handoff
Cage spoke to The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet for the premiere of Madden (2026), his latest film. He expressed no resentment over the reboot and welcomed a new interpretation of the role.
“Ryan’s going to do his thing with it, and I’m looking forward to seeing it,” Cage said. The actor added that the two have maintained a friendly relationship privately. “Ryan knows how I feel about him as an actor; we’ve had nice conversations, and we stay in touch,” he said, again voicing support for Gosling and wishing him well.
From Interview Wish to Hall H
Gosling first named Ghost Rider as his dream Marvel role while speaking with journalist Josh Horowitz in 2022. Horowitz relayed the idea to Kevin Feige, who expressed interest in bringing the actor into the MCU.
That interest became official on July 25, 2026, when Feige, Marvel Studios’ president, introduced Gosling during the studio’s Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con as the lead of a standalone Ghost Rider feature. Feige acknowledged the earlier conversation, and Gosling confirmed that talks had unfolded behind the scenes. Explaining his attraction to the character, he kept it brief: “Just a feeling.”
The Levy Factor
Directing duties go to Shawn Levy, whose Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) crossed the billion-dollar mark. Levy and Gosling are currently partnered on Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Starfighter (2027), and conversations about Ghost Rider reportedly started on that set. Levy remembered telling the actor: “Bro, let’s ride.”
Two Decades of Screen History
Cage’s tenure began with Ghost Rider (2007), directed by Mark Steven Johnson, and continued with Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012), which saw Blaze shielding a child from the Devil. Critics were divided on both, yet Cage’s portrayal remains central to the character’s live-action legacy.
The character resurfaced on television when Gabriel Luna played Robbie Reyes/Ghost Rider in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Cage was also reportedly considered for a cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine, though he did not appear. Gosling’s casting marks a fresh take on Johnny Blaze rather than an extension of the earlier films.
Release Plans and Open Questions
Marvel has dated the film for July 28, 2028, roughly two months after the projected arrival of its recently confirmed X-Men film. Casting beyond Gosling is still thin: Connor Storrie has been linked to an unspecified part, and Sacha Baron Cohen is expected to return as Mephisto after his turn in Ironheart. Casting director Sarah Finn has called Gosling “the perfect choice” for the role (via Comic Book Movie).
Whether Cage might still appear remains unresolved. Fans have speculated about a Ghost Rider presence in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), while separate rumors place Gosling in that crossover. Marvel has not confirmed any return for Cage.
What This Means for You
When Gosling’s film opens in 2028, it will be 16 years since Johnny Blaze last headlined a feature. With Cage’s goodwill secured, Marvel enters that new chapter free of any lingering tension, and with the chance to redefine the character for a new generation of moviegoers.
How do you think Ryan Gosling will tackle the role? Let us know in the comments below!
