Ghost Rider is one of those names that feels like an inevitability for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The character has appeared in two of his own movies with veteran actor Nicolas Cage taking on the role; Johnny Blaze even appeared in Agents of Shield as a recurring character. However, the canonicity of AoS still remains as unclear as ever.
Cage's version of the character first debuted in Columbia Pictures' Ghost Rider in 2007. That solo film had a follow-up in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance just after the turn of the decade in 2011.
The Ghost Rider star is a known comic book lover, having appeared in other comic adaptions like Kick-Ass and Kick-Ass 2. With Marvel Studios rumored to be forming an on-screen version of the Midnight Sons, a group that Ghost Rider has a known affiliation with, the question of who would play this version of the role has started to be asked.
Well, the man himself has reacted to these rumors in a new interview.
Nicolas Cage on Returning as Ghost Rider
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ghost Rider star Nicolas Cage reacted to the potential of re-entering the comic book sphere amid rumors of his possible return as Johnny Blaze in the MCU, which claimed that Marvel Studios wanted the actor to reprise his role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
When asked if he would ever consider returning to the comic book film genre and the world of Ghost Rider, Cage responded by sharing that he "[admires] the realm of the comic book" and always "thought [those] stories were really colorful and entertaining."
The Hollywood vet didn't really give a definitive answer, instead commenting on the comic book movie genre as a whole and praising their "great value in that they’re bringing happiness to people:"
"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. 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."
The Ghost of Ghost Rider's Past
While many will be quick to give Nicolas Cage his flowers here for coming out on the side of the comic book movie industry, he doesn't actually answer the question that was asked. In point-blank fashion, he was asked if he would be interested in returning to Ghost Rider, a question that should warrant a simple "yes" or "no."
Instead of a simple answer, Cage goes into showering compliments on the genre rather than answering the question. It is this anti-answer that has to make one think.
When fans have seen other big names offer up this similar kind of word salad - especially when it comes to a potential appearance in the MCU - it usually means they have NDAs up to their nose and are hiding something.
However, this isn't any normal Hollywood actor. Cage has a reputation of being cryptic and meandering on a good day, so this also could just be a case of Nicolas Cage being Nicolas Cage.
Marvel supposedly wants the actor back for a Ghost Rider reprisal. So, if he wants to return, then he will likely return.
