Marvel Studios has officially found its next Ghost Rider, and the actor who last carried the flaming chain on the big screen has finally weighed in.
Ryan Gosling (Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider) was confirmed as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s new Spirit of Vengeance at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026, ending years of speculation over when the character would make his proper MCU debut. Now, Nicolas Cage, who played Johnny Blaze in two Sony Marvel films released outside the MCU, has addressed the studio’s decision, and his response could hardly be more gracious.
Original Ghost Rider Speaks Out
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet for the premiere of his new movie, Madden (2026), Cage made it clear that he holds no resentment about another actor taking over the role. Instead, he welcomed the chance for someone new to interpret Johnny Blaze in this recast MCU reboot.
“Ryan’s going to do his thing with it, and I’m looking forward to seeing it,” Cage told The Hollywood Reporter. The actor also revealed that the pair have stayed on good terms away from the cameras, adding: “Ryan knows how I feel about him as an actor; we’ve had nice conversations, and we stay in touch.”
Cage reiterated his enthusiasm for Gosling taking on the character and wished his successor well. His comments suggest the handover has been an amicable one, rather than a contentious recasting.
Ryan Gosling’s Casting Has Been Years in the Making
Marvel Studios made the announcement official during its Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25, 2026, when Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige introduced Gosling as the star of a new standalone Ghost Rider movie.
For those who have followed Gosling’s career, the news did not arrive entirely out of nowhere. In 2022, the actor told journalist Josh Horowitz that Ghost Rider was the Marvel character he most wanted to portray. Horowitz subsequently raised the idea with Feige, who expressed interest in finding a place for Gosling in the MCU.
Feige referenced that earlier conversation before bringing Gosling onto the stage, and the actor confirmed that discussions had taken place behind the scenes. Asked what drew him to the role, Gosling offered a simple explanation: “Just a feeling.”
Shawn Levy Will Direct Marvel’s New Ghost Rider Movie
Marvel has tapped Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) to direct. Levy and Gosling have already established a working relationship through Star Wars: Starfighter (2027), and the two reportedly began discussing Ghost Rider while collaborating on the Lucasfilm project. Levy recalled eventually telling Gosling: “Bro, let’s ride.”
Levy is no stranger to the MCU either, having previously directed the billion-dollar hit Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). The pairing of Gosling and Levy signals a fresh creative direction for the franchise.
Nicolas Cage’s History as Johnny Blaze
Cage remains the actor most closely associated with Johnny Blaze’s live-action big-screen appearances. He first played the character in Ghost Rider (2007), directed by Mark Steven Johnson, before returning in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012), which followed Blaze as he attempted to protect a child from the Devil.
Both films received mixed critical responses, but Cage’s interpretation remains an important part of the character’s live-action history. Marvel later explored another version of the character through Gabriel Luna (Robbie Reyes/Ghost Rider) in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., while Cage was reportedly considered for a cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine before ultimately not appearing.
Gosling’s casting therefore represents a new interpretation of Johnny Blaze, rather than a continuation of Cage’s original franchise.
What We Know About Marvel’s Ghost Rider Movie
The standalone film is currently targeting a July 28, 2028, theatrical release, which would place it a couple of months behind the projected release of the recently confirmed X-Men movie. Supporting cast announcements remain limited, though Connor Storrie has been linked to the project in an undisclosed role, and Sacha Baron Cohen (Mephisto) is expected to reprise his role following his appearance in Ironheart.
Marvel casting director Sarah Finn has described Gosling as “the perfect choice” for the character
Could Nicolas Cage Still Return to the MCU?
Cage’s comments do not necessarily rule out a future appearance. Speculation has surrounded a possible Ghost Rider appearance in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), although other rumors suggest Gosling could appear in the crossover instead. Marvel has not confirmed whether Cage will return in any capacity.
For fans, Cage’s blessing removes any awkwardness from the transition. By the time Gosling’s film arrives in 2028, 16 years will have passed since Johnny Blaze last led a movie, and Marvel now has the chance to give Ghost Rider a fresh cinematic identity while honoring the legacy Cage established. For now, Cage appears content to pass the torch, and the wait for Gosling’s ride begins.
How do you feel about Ryan Gosling’s casting as Ghost Rider in the MCU? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!
