After years in hiding, Johnny Blaze (Ryan Gosling) is forced to embrace the Ghost Rider curse when Mephisto unleashes Blackheart (Javier Bardem) to claim innocent souls. With the help of a mysterious exorcist (Ana de Armas), Blaze battles demonic forces across a neon-lit underworld. The Rider’s penance stare evolves, now revealing victims’ deepest regrets. A shocking twist reveals Mephisto has possessed Blaze’s long-lost brother, Danny (Austin Butler). In a fiery finale, Johnny sacrifices himself to trap both demons—only to be reborn as the Spirit of Vengeance, setting up a sequel with Blade (Mahershala Ali) in a mid-credits tease.
Release Strategy:
Originally set for October 2024, delays pushed it to March 7, 2025, avoiding superhero fatigue. The first trailer debuted at Comic-Con 2024, breaking viewership records. A viral TikTok trend (#GoslingOnFire) and IMAX early screenings boosted hype.
Box Office & Reception:
Opening weekend smashed expectations with 125milliondomestically∗∗and∗∗125milliondomestically∗∗and∗∗280 million worldwide, dethroning Dune: Part Two as 2025’s first blockbuster. Critics praised Gosling’s tortured performance (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), though some called the plot “predictable.” Fans loved the R-rated action, leading to $750 million globally—reviving the franchise after Nic Cage’s 2007 version.
Cultural Impact & Future:
Merchandise sales (especially light-up skull helmets) hit $50 million. A post-credits cameo from Mahershala Ali’s Blade confirmed a Midnight Sons team-up movie. Ryan Gosling signed on for a trilogy, with a Disney+ series exploring Danny Ketch’s Ghost Rider.
