Ryan Gosling Confirmed to Play Johnny Blaze Version of GHOST RIDER
Marvel Studios finally made it official at Comic-Con that Ryan Gosling will star in the upcoming Ghost Rider movie directed by Shawn Levy. While fans walked away from the panel knowing Gosling was bringing the Spirit of Vengeance to the MCU, one major question was left unanswered.
Which Ghost Rider was he actually going to play? Now, a new report has answered that question, revealing that Gosling will portray Johnny Blaze, the original and most recognizable Ghost Rider.
Honestly, this update comes as no surprise. Once Gosling was announced as Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze immediately felt like the most likely choice.
Sure, Marvel has introduced several Ghost Riders throughout the comics, including Danny Ketch, Kushala, Robbie Reyes, and even the prehistoric Ghost. But Blaze has always been the face of the franchise, and Gosling feels like a perfect fit for that version of the character.
That doesn't mean every fan was hoping for Johnny Blaze, though. Because Nicolas Cage famously played Blaze in the two Ghost Rider films, many fans were hoping Marvel would use this opportunity to introduce Danny Ketch instead.
It would've allowed Gosling to make the role completely his own without inviting constant comparisons to Cage's performance.
Instead, it appears Marvel is giving Johnny Blaze a fresh start in the MCU. As you'd expect, fans have mixed feelings. Some were really hoping to finally see Danny Ketch get his shot on the big screen after decades of living in Blaze's shadow.
Others think Marvel was always going to go with the biggest name attached to the Ghost Rider mythology. If Marvel is introducing Ghost Rider to a massive MCU audience, Johnny Blaze is the character most moviegoers already recognize.
Still, it's easy to understand why Danny Ketch fans are disappointed. Ketch is a fantastic character who has never really had the opportunity to shine outside the comics. Giving Gosling that role would've offered a fresh interpretation without inviting endless comparisons to Cage's version of Blaze.
From Marvel's perspective, though, this decision makes complete sense. Johnny Blaze remains the most recognizable Ghost Rider. If the studio is building out the supernatural corner of the MCU, leading with Blaze is the logical move.
It also opens some exciting possibilities. If Johnny Blaze is arriving in the MCU, there's every chance he won't be the only Spirit of Vengeance. Marvel could eventually introduce Robbie Reyes, who was played by Gabriel Luna in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and continue expanding the supernatural side of the franchise. And, of course, fans will immediately start wondering if Mephisto will be involved.
As for Gosling, Johnny Blaze always felt like the natural fit. From the moment he was announced as Ghost Rider at Comic-Con, this was the version of the character that seemed most likely.
Now that a report has seemingly confirmed it, it just feels like the final piece of the puzzle. Gosling has the charisma, intensity, and screen presence to make Johnny Blaze an unforgettable addition to the MCU, and it'll be exciting to see him light up the big screen.