Ghost Rider: Connor Storrie in talks to play Ryan Gosling's adversary
The actor made a name for himself as Ilya Rozanov in Heated Rivalry
A new adversary for Ryan Gosling: Connor Storrie is in talks to play the villain in the "Ghost Rider" movie. The actor made a name for himself as Ilya Rozanov in the series "Heated Rivalry." However, it is not yet known which antagonist he is set to portray in the new blockbuster from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, according to The Hollywood Reporter. One possible adversary could be Mephisto, who played a central role in the earlier "Ghost Rider" film starring Nicolas Cage. Back then, Peter Fonda played the villain with whom the hero strikes a devilish pact.
We'll know more by July 28, 2028, at the latest: that's when "Ghost Rider" hits theaters. What's been confirmed for some time now is that Shawn Levy will direct "Ghost Rider." This marks yet another major franchise project from the filmmaker in quick succession in which Gosling is on board. Under Levy's direction, the Hollywood star will also play the lead role in the big-screen adventure "Star Wars: Starfighter," which hits theaters on May 28, 2027.
Filming for "Ghost Rider" is scheduled to take place next year in New York. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Linus Sandgren has been hired as director of photography. He's a top-tier name: in 2017, he won the Oscar for Best Cinematography for "La La Land." Gosling also played the lead role in that acclaimed musical. Sandgren is also serving as director of photography for the upcoming science fiction film "Dune 3," which is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.
Ghost Rider: Various incarnations
"Ghost Rider" is based on the Marvel comics. The character made his first appearance in August 1972 in issue 5 of the "Marvel Spotlight" series. The story centers on stunt driver Johnny Blaze, who, as a result of a diabolical pact, becomes a motorcycle-riding being with a flaming skull. On the big screen, Johnny Blaze was portrayed by Nicolas Cage in 2007. In the film directed by Mark Steven Johnson, the Hollywood star appeared alongside Eva Mendes, Wes Bentley, Sam Elliott, Donal Logue, and Peter Fonda. Four years later, Cage reprised the role in "Spirit of Vengeance." This time, the cast included Ciarán Hinds, Violante Placido, Johnny Whitworth, Christopher Lambert, and Idris Elba. The film was directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor.
Five years later, the Ghost Rider returned in "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." In the TV series, Gabriel Luna played the Ghost Rider for several episodes, though as Robbie Reyes, he portrayed a different incarnation of the hero.
Will Ryan Gosling play Johnny Blaze?
It has not yet been revealed whether Gosling will portray a previously known incarnation of the Ghost Rider or a completely new alter ego of the hero. However, it is speculated that Gosling will be seen as Johnny Blaze. When Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige was asked about this, he wouldn't give anything away. He was quoted by the website IGN as saying:
"I am going to let Ryan reveal what he wants to reveal when he wants to reveal it. [...] He's a huge fan of the comics. He did come to us, particularly with a specific vision based on some particular comics, but I'll let him unveil that as he wants to."
In any case, with Gosling, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has added another high-profile star to its roster – one who has recently proven a box office draw. His science-fiction blockbuster "Project Hail Mary" became a hit this year, grossing $684 million worldwide.
