Comic book fans everywhere were ecstatic when they heard that "Ghost Rider" will be appearing in season 4 of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." But quickly raised an eyebrow when they learned that it would not be the Johnny Blaze version that will grace our TV screens.
Instead "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." showrunners will go with Robbie Reyes. Hardcore marvel comic fans may know him as the other "Ghost Rider". Which leads us to the question, why did they choose him over Johnny Blaze?
"Truthfully, Nicolas Cage turned us down." Producer Jed Whedon tells the Hollywood Reporter.
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"We moved on as fast as we could." he continued with a laugh. An obvious joke and a reference to the two live action Ghost Rider films by Nicolas Cage that were universally panned by critics. He then told us the real reason was that Robbie Reyes' was just too good and thus was the better option.
"Robbie's story, since its inception, is the story of an older brother who's looking after his younger brother, and then how the world of the Ghost Rider changes that dynamic," Head of marvel TV Jeph Loeb says. "That's true of any Marvel hero. We begin in a place where it's something we can all relate to, and then something extraordinary happens to them, not that they've ever asked for it. What we'll find out along the way is Robbie's journey now that he has the burden of being the Ghost Rider, what that does and more importantly how that affects our cast at S.H.I.E.L.D."
Despite the skepticism of Marvel fans, choosing Robbie Reyes' version of Ghost Rider makes a lot of sense. His backstory is really interesting and won't be as predictable to viewers who will be tuning in to season 4. It would allow the creators a much fresher take on the famous character.
Season 4 of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." will air on Sept. 20, 2016.
