Nicolas Cage Backs Ryan Gosling for New Ghost Rider Film

Nicolas Cage has voiced his approval for Ryan Gosling's upcoming portrayal of Ghost Rider, nearly twenty years after Cage first brought the character to life on screen. The veteran actor, who starred in the 2007 original and its 2012 sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, told The Hollywood Reporter that he is eager to see how Gosling approaches the role.

The endorsement comes as Marvel Studios prepares to reboot the fiery anti-hero franchise. During an announcement at Comic-Con in July, the studio confirmed that Gosling would lead the new project, which is set to be directed by Shawn Levy. At the time of the reveal, Gosling expressed his long-held desire to play the character, stating that he had wanted the part for a very long time.

Cage discussed the news while promoting his latest film, Madden, at its premiere. He highlighted the personal connection between the two actors, noting that they have maintained a friendly relationship and frequent communication. "Ryan's going to do his thing with it and I'm looking forward to seeing it," Cage said. "Ryan knows how I feel about him as an actor; we've had nice conversations and we stay in touch."

The former Ghost Rider added that he was happy for his colleague and wished him the best of luck on the new adventure. He described the process as one of mutual respect, indicating that he is excited to watch the evolution of the character in Gosling's hands.

There is a notable personal link between the two actors and the original film. Gosling's wife, Eva Mendes, appeared alongside Cage in the 2007 version of Ghost Rider. Mendes has also been supportive of her husband taking over the role, adding an additional layer of history to the franchise's transition.

The new Ghost Rider film is currently scheduled for a release date of July 28, 2028. In addition to Gosling, the production is in talks to cast Connor Storrie, who gained prominence from the series Heated Rivalry, as the film's primary antagonist. Storrie's potential involvement marks a significant step for the young actor in the superhero genre.

Meanwhile, Cage is currently in the spotlight for his performance as football icon John Madden in the David O. Russell directed film Madden. The movie chronicles the relationship between Madden and Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. The film is set to open in limited theaters on November 11, 2026, before becoming available for streaming on Prime Video on November 18.

Cage's positive remarks come at a time when the film industry is increasingly looking back at its past franchises for new opportunities. His willingness to support a successor to one of his most recognizable roles suggests a collaborative spirit among Hollywood veterans as they navigate the next wave of blockbuster adaptations.