Nicolas Cage is not ruling out a possible cinematic return as Marvel superhero Ghost Rider.
In a recent interview with Uproxx, Cage discussed his desire to shift from acting in movies to starring on a television show, explaining that he will become “very severe and stringent” about the types of movie roles he takes on in the future. However, he revealed that not every role would get an immediate rejection.
“I’m not saying no entirely. I’m saying if something came along that I thought had some pop to it, some spark to it, that maybe could be fun for folks to revisit, like a Face/Off 2 or Ghost Rider, that’s another conversation,” he said.
Which Ghost Rider did Nicolas Cage play?
Several characters have used the Ghost Rider mantle in Marvel Comics, but the most popular one is stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze, who made his debut as the Spirit of Vengeance in Marvel Spotlight #5 in 1972. The character was created by writer Gary Friedrich, Marvel Comics’ then editor-in-chief Roy Thomas, and artist Mike Ploog, with the name “Johnny Blaze” coming from Marvel legend Stan Lee.
Nicolas Cage portrayed the Johnny Blaze version of Ghost Rider in a superhero movie that was released by Sony Pictures in 2007. While Ghost Rider received negative reviews from critics, the movie was a box office success, leading to a sequel in 2012 titled Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Following the sequel’s release, the rights to the character reverted back to Marvel who subsequently introduced the Robbie Reyes version of Ghost Rider in the fourth season of the Marvel Cinematic Universe series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2016-17).
Cage showing interest in reprising the role of Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider comes a few months after scooper MyTimeToShineHello hinted that the actor was returning as the superhero for one of Marvel Studios’ upcoming Multiverse Saga projects. However, until Marvel makes an official announcement, Cage’s rumored return should be taken with a grain of salt.
