No Nicolas Cage here.
[dropcap=size]A[/dropcap]gents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is about to begin its fourth season, it’s like the forgettable middle child of the MCU, but this middle child is an entertaining program with a devoted fanbase. Those who have tuned in the previously know the show is headed for changes after a time jump was teased in the season three finale.
When speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Executive Producer, Jed Whedon, spoke about another change, the introduction of Ghost Rider into the MCU:
“As always, we are going to put our own spin on the character. We are staying true to the comics in the places where we feel like it’s really important — we love the character’s family dynamic and the East L.A. kid in him.”
This iteration of Ghost Rider will not be Johnny Blaze. The general audience got to know Blaze when he was portrayed by Nicolas Cage in the much-maligned Ghost Rider adaptations several years ago. Likely in order to avoid confusion, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will be featuring Roberto ‘Robbie’ Reyes as the Ghost Rider.
Without giving away potential plot points in the new season, Reyes is a young man from a crime riddled neighborhood in Los Angeles. He dies violently but not before he is possessed by the spirit of the Ghost Rider upon which time he takes up the mantle for himself.
Reyes will be played by Gabriel Luna whose credits are limited but has appeared on True Detective and NCIS: Los Angeles. The costume is extremely similar to the comics and additionally, unlike Blaze’s motorcycle, Reyes drives a muscle car. It is hard to tell from the photo if Reyes has his signature orange eye.
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D returns for its fourth season Tuesday, September 2oth.
