Nicolas Cage gives Ryan Gosling his blessing as he takes over ‘Ghost Rider’ role: ‘Happy for him’
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The Spirit of Vengeance is getting a new face, and the original Ghost Rider, Nicolas Cage, seems perfectly happy about it!
Cage shared his thoughts on Ryan Gosling taking over the role of 'Ghost Rider', which he first played nearly 20 years ago. The actor welcomed the news, wished Gosling well, and said he was looking forward to watching the new film.
Cage seems happy to pass the baton to Gosling, sharing, "I was happy for him and wished him best of luck". However, Gosling has not yet responded to Cage’s comments.
Nicolas Cage reacts to Ryan Gosling’s 'Ghost Rider' casting
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cage shared his thoughts on Gosling taking over the role he first played in 2007’s 'Ghost Rider'.
“Ryan’s going to do his thing with it, and I’m looking forward to seeing it."
"Ryan knows how I feel about him as an actor; we’ve had nice conversations, and we stay in touch," he said. "I was happy for him and wished him the best of luck on his adventures, and I look forward to seeing the movie," he added.
Nicolas Cage gives his thoughts on Ryan Gosling taking over as Ghost Rider: “Ryan’s going to do his thing with it and I’m looking forward to seeing it. 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.” (Source: https://t.co/ewWDWBi0rr)
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 5, 2026
Cage’s response comes nearly two decades after he first portrayed Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stuntman who transforms into the supernatural 'Ghost Rider.'
He reprised the role in the 2011 sequel, 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.'
Ryan Gosling’s 'Ghost Rider' film targets 2028 release
Gosling’s casting marks a new chapter for the Marvel character. The actor has been open about his interest in playing 'Ghost Rider' for years, and Marvel officially announced his casting at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026.
The upcoming film will be directed by Shawn Levy and is currently scheduled for a 2028 theatrical release. “This is a character I’ve wanted to play for a very long time," Gosling said.
Cage’s supportive reaction shows that he is ready to see someone else bring the fiery superhero to life. Gosling’s wife, Eva Mendes, has also shown her support for the casting.
The actress took to Instagram to share a fan-edited video from their 2012 film 'The Place Beyond the Pines', which featured the text, “From this intro only I thought Ryan Gosling can be a perfect casting for Ghost Rider role.”
Mendes added her own playful touch to the post, captioning it, “Love, Roxy,” in reference to the character she played in the 2007 film.
