Nicolas Cage Returning As Ghost Rider In Upcoming Marvel Movie?
Nicolas Cage might be returning to his role as the motorcycle-riding spirit of vengeance for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
This article is more than 2 years old
Ever since the publishing rights to various Marvel characters reverted back to the comic book giant, fans have been eager to see their favorite heroes back on the big screen. The internet has been abuzz about a potential Fantastic Four revival, as well as Professor X returning in some capacity. But now it seems like Nicolas Cage may be toying with the idea of making a comeback as Ghost Rider.
When Nicolas Cage first brought Johnny Blaze to life in 2007’s Ghost Rider, it was a change of pace for fans. Blaze was brooding and dark, a stark departure from the more upbeat Spider-Man portrayed by Tobey Maguire at the time. The movie went over well with audiences and the follow-up, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance was released in 2011.
More than a decade later, with the established Marvel Cinematic Universe planning to bring back various legacy characters, Nicolas Cage has shared his thoughts on returning as Ghost Rider. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the veteran actor praised the superhero genre but remained vague when asked about a rumored appearance as the character in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
“These are hot topics, and I get it because these are the types of things that become like wildfire on the internet. I’ve always admired the realm of the comic book and I’ve always thought stories were really colorful and entertaining, and, frankly, kind of wholesome in a really positive way,” Nicolas Cage told the publication. “I don’t know what the umbrage is with people that want to knock them. I certainly think there’s great value in that they’re bringing happiness to people,” he added.
While that doesn’t sound too promising, Marvel Studios gives their stars strict instructions not to talk about appearances in their films. So although he didn’t confirm a role in Doctor Strange 2, he didn’t deny being in it either. Having Nicolas Cage reprise his role as Ghost Rider would be an amazing throwback for fans. But it might not be more than a cameo role.
As previously reported, Marvel Studios is definitely reviving the Spirit of Vengeance-bound character, but it won’t be Nicolas Cage wielding hell-fire. According to one of Giant Freakin Robot’s trusted and proven inside sources, Norman Reedus has signed on to play Ghost Rider in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This would be huge for the studio as The Walking Dead star has cultivated an image worthy of the Ghost Rider moniker.
Adding fuel to the fiery rumors of his casting Reedus told ComicBook.com that he would love to play the iconic motorcycle-riding character. “I don’t know, call somebody. Make that happen. I want to do it,” he told the publication enthusiastically. Combined with his passion for the role, fans think is a strong fit for the Marvel character too, with lots of online chatter rallying behind his dream of portraying the character made famous on-screen by Nicolas Cage.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Cage is preparing for his latest release, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Directed by Tom Gormican, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Kevin Etten, the film stars Cage as a fictionalized version of himself. The story begins when (fictional) Cage accepts $1 million to attend the birthday of a billionaire super fan. When things take a creepy turn, he has to become a version of some of his most iconic characters to extricate his wife and daughter from the fan who happens to be a drug lord. The movie hits theaters on April 22, 2022.
