Ryan Gosling is set to star as Ghost Rider in a new Marvel Studios film, with Nicolas Cage's earlier versions streaming free.
Marvel Studios announced a new Ghost Rider film at San Diego Comic-Con, confirming Ryan Gosling will take on the role. Slated for a 2028 theatrical release, the project will be directed by Shawn Levy and written by Jonathan Tropper. This iteration is positioned as a key release following the franchise's soft reboot after Avengers: Secret Wars, signaling Marvel's commitment to the character's return to the big screen.
Before Gosling's casting, Nicolas Cage embodied Johnny Blaze in two films: 2007's Ghost Rider and 2011's Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. The original, directed by Mark Steven Johnson, depicted Blaze as a stuntman turned supernatural bounty hunter. The sequel, helmed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, saw Blaze protecting a young boy in Eastern Europe. Both films will be available for free streaming on Tubi starting August 1st.
Critics were largely unfavorable to both of Cage's Ghost Rider outings, with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 28% and 18% respectively. The box office performance also saw a decline, though the first film was a modest success for Sony. Despite their mixed reception, a dedicated fanbase has kept these films, and the Ghost Rider character, relevant in cultural conversations for nearly two decades, highlighting the visual impact of the flaming skull.
The character's enduring appeal is notable given its inconsistent comic book history. Johnny Blaze debuted in Marvel Spotlight #5 in 1972, but his solo series was canceled a decade later. Subsequent relaunches with new hosts like Danny Ketch and Robbie Reyes also saw cancellations. Despite a surprisingly short 'must-read' list over five decades, the striking visual of the flaming skull and fiery motorcycle consistently draws fan interest, ensuring Ghost Rider remains a requested presence.
With the Cage films streaming for free, audiences have a low-stakes opportunity to revisit these campy entries. This also provides a valuable baseline for comparison as Marvel Studios develops its new take on the character. Fans can observe which narrative or stylistic choices might be revisited or avoided in Gosling's upcoming portrayal, offering insight into the creative direction of the 2028 release.
