At a time when Eva Mendes has been trending for a supposed comeback to the Ghost Rider universe now that her husband, Ryan Gosling, has been revealed to be the new Ghost Rider of the MCU, one cannot help but remember the time she refused to return to the Ghost Rider sequel. The franchise that has been dormant for almost 15 years has now shown signs of a huge shake-up, and it is obvious for people to wonder whether Eva Mendes will be a part of the transition or not.

However, her stern refusal to return to the franchise years ago is all they can think about in that prospect. 

Eva Mendes declared long ago while talking to SuperheroHype at a press junket for The Other Guys in July 2010 that she would not be returning to the Ghost Rider sequel. She played Roxanne Simpson, Johnny Blaze’s childhood sweetheart, in the 2007 film Ghost Rider. But when the sequel to the movie, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, was announced, she issued this statement.

Actually, it was not that surprising at the time, especially in light of the poor reception the first movie received. Since the first Ghost Rider, Eva Mendes had developed into a reputable actress and received recognition for her roles in The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans and We Own the Night.

Mendes had been questioning her participation in a follow-up ever since the first one was released. In response to MTV's inquiry about a possible sequel in 2008, she stated that one was not necessary. According to her, Ghost Rider had had its moment and should have been left alone.      

Kevin Feige Teases Ryan Gosling and Cynthia Erivo’s Potential MCU Future as Ghost Rider and Storm

Anyhow, it is kind of a weird coincidence that her husband is now announced to be the new Ghost Rider, years after she abandoned the franchise.

For months now, it was speculated that Ryan Gosling would be named the new Ghost Rider, following the legacy of Nicholas Cage. In fact, Cage himself gave him his seal of approval during the press tour of Spider-Noir. Now, Marvel has officially announced that Gosling will play the iconic Ghost Rider in the MCU during their Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic Con on July 25.

The movie will be helmed by Deadpool & Wolverine fame Shawn Levy and is slated for Marvel’s 2028 schedule. The news has sent the internet into a frenzy, with most people tying this revelation to Eva Mendes and suspecting her return to the franchise as Roxanne Simpson. However, it is doubtful that she will be up for reprising her role, considering how she refused to return years ago.

3 Reasons Shawn Levy Is the Wrong Director for Ryan Gosling’s 'Ghost Rider'

Do you think Eva Mendes will return to the Ghost Rider universe?  Do let us know.