MCU Phase 1: The Real Ghost Rider Appeared 5 Times During Coulson’s Story
Coulson’s Ghost Rider turn
Johnny Blaze, played by Nicolas Cage in films released in 2007 and 2011, is one of several comic-book versions. On Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Diego Luna played Robbie Reyes, and Clark Gregg’s Phil Coulson briefly took on the mantle later.
Coulson appeared in five MCU films and more than 100 episodes of S.H.I.E.L.D. His deal with the Spirit of Vengeance came near the end of the show’s fourth season, after he helped save the day. The deal came at a significant cost and marked the beginning of the end for him.
Robbie Reyes brings the supernatural
Robbie Reyes arrived at the start of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s fourth season, adding a supernatural element to a series that had generally focused on science-based powers and Inhumans. Gabriel Luna played Reyes across ten episodes.
The series demonstrated that supernatural elements could fit its story, and Luna’s performance drew enough interest for a Reyes-based show to reach pre-production before it was cancelled. The story argues that his version deserves another appearance.
A different view of Coulson
Coulson’s character developed across the films and the first four seasons of S.H.I.E.L.D. That wider history gives his decision to accept the Spirit of Vengeance a different context than his film appearances alone.
Whether Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. belongs to the larger MCU has been debated. The story distinguishes that question from Coulson’s place in the franchise, noting his appearances in five MCU films. His brief Ghost Rider turn in 2017 was easy for many movie-focused viewers to miss.
Key points
- Coulson briefly became Ghost Rider in the fourth season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Gabriel Luna played Robbie Reyes across ten episodes of the series.
- Nicolas Cage portrayed Johnny Blaze in films released in 2007 and 2011.
- Marvel has not confirmed which Ghost Rider incarnation will lead Ryan Gosling’s planned Phase 7 film.