- Primary Subject: Nicolas Cage's reaction to Ryan Gosling taking over the role of Ghost Rider.
- Key Update: Original Ghost Rider star Nicolas Cage gave Ryan Gosling his official blessing for Marvel Studios' upcoming reboot, sharing that he is happy for Gosling and eagerly looking forward to seeing his take on the Spirit of Vengeance.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: November 5, 2026
- Quick Answer: Nicolas Cage praised Ryan Gosling's Ghost Rider casting, confirming he wished his successor the best of luck and looks forward to seeing the MCU reboot.
Nearly two decades after first setting the big screen in flames as Johnny Blaze, original Ghost Rider star Nicolas Cage has officially weighed in on passing the torch.
After Marvel Studios confirmed Ryan Gosling will headline a brand-new Ghost Rider reboot, to be directed by Shawn Levy, Cage eventually broke his silence to offer a warm, supportive response for his fellow actor stepping into the flames.
Nicolas Cage Reacts to Ryan Gosling's Ghost Rider Reboot Casting
Cage starred in 2007's Ghost Rider as the motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze, who sells his soul to become a bounty hunter for evil demons, and later reprised the titular role in a 2012 sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
At the premiere of his new movie Madden, Cage shared with The Hollywood Reporter that he has nothing but support for the Barbie and Blade Runner 2049 star inheriting the mantle.
"Ryan's going to do his thing with it, and I'm looking forward to seeing it," Cage told the outlet. "Ryan knows how I feel about him as an actor; we've had nice conversations, and we stay in touch. I was happy for him and wished him best of luck on his adventures, and I look forward to seeing the movie."
It is worth mentioning that Gosling's partner, Eva Mendes, who famously co-starred alongside Cage as Roxanne Simpson in Sony's 2007 Ghost Rider, had always seen Johnny Blaze potential in her partner.
Specifically, in an edited clip from Gosling's The Place Beyond the Pines movie, Mendes captioned: "From this intro only, I thought Ryan Gosling can be a perfect casting for [the] Ghost Rider role."
How Ryan Gosling's Ghost Rider Can Change Nicolas Cage's Legacy
Rather than overshadowing Cage's original portrayal, Gosling's arrival in the Marvel Cinematic Universe re-contextualizes the cult-classic Sony era for modern audiences.
Cage's unhinged performances in 2007's Ghost Rider and 2012's Spirit of Vengeance remain fondly remembered by fans for their unapologetic comic book camp.
With Marvel Studios leaning heavily into nostalgia and alternate realities ahead of Avengers: Secret Wars, Cage's supportive relationship with Marvel leaves the door open for a potential multiverse crossover alongside Gosling.
After being backed by Cage's endorsement and Mendes's enthusiasm, Gosting's casting as the rebooted Ghost Rider ensures the blockbuster will surely spotlight both past and present fans have long craved.
For now, Marvel Studios' Ghost Rider reboot is scheduled to release in theaters on July 28, 2028. Stay tuned!