Eva Mendes is once again trending under the “Ghost Rider” search term, nearly two decades after she starred alongside Nicolas Cage in the 2007 Marvel adaptation. With fresh reports as of July 25, 2026 confirming she is pursuing a full-fledged acting comeback, fans are revisiting her breakout superhero role as Roxanne Simpson and wondering what’s next for the actress. Here’s a complete look at her “Ghost Rider” history and the latest update on her career in 2026.
Eva Mendes’ Role in Ghost Rider (2007)
Eva Mendes played Roxanne Simpson, a television news reporter and the childhood love interest of Johnny Blaze, in the 2007 film “Ghost Rider.” The movie, directed by Mark Steven Johnson, starred Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stuntman who sells his soul to the devil-like Mephistopheles to save his father, and later becomes the fiery, vengeance-seeking Ghost Rider. The film also featured Wes Bentley as the villain Blackheart and Sam Elliott as Carter Slade, the original Ghost Rider.
In the story, Roxanne and Johnny are separated as teenagers after he makes his fateful deal, and their paths cross again years later when she is a successful reporter. “Ghost Rider” was released in the United States on February 16, 2007, and despite largely negative reviews from critics, it was a commercial success, grossing $228.7 million worldwide against a production budget of roughly $110 to $120 million.
Did Eva Mendes Return for Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance?
No. When the sequel “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” was in development, Eva Mendes confirmed she would not be reprising her role as Roxanne Simpson. Speaking to press at the time, she said plainly that she would not be returning, and she had expressed doubts about a sequel as far back as 2008, once remarking that she felt the original film “had its moment” and didn’t need a follow-up. The 2012 sequel ultimately moved forward without her character, with Nicolas Cage reprising his role as Johnny Blaze under new directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor.
Eva Mendes’ Acting Comeback in 2026
Nearly 20 years after “Ghost Rider” first introduced her to superhero-movie audiences, Eva Mendes is stepping back into the spotlight. According to a report published July 25, 2026, the 52-year-old actress is actively planning a return to acting and has asked longtime partner Ryan Gosling to take on more parenting duties for their two daughters, Esmeralda, 11, and Amada, 10, while she meets with filmmakers and studio executives.
Mendes has already filmed a role in the highly anticipated “Star Wars: Starfighter,” the space opera set for release in 2027 that stars Gosling in the lead. Industry outlets have also floated the possibility that she could appear in “Fast & Furious 11,” titled “Fast Forever,” which is currently in production and expected to arrive in theaters in 2028. A source close to the actress said she “rediscovered her taste for acting” while working on “Starfighter” and now wants to take on projects her children and their friends will enjoy watching.
A Look Back at Eva Mendes’ Career
Beyond “Ghost Rider,” Eva Mendes built a diverse filmography across action, drama, and comedy. Her credits include “Training Day” (2001), “Out of Time” (2003), “Hitch” (2005), “We Own the Night” (2007), “The Spirit” (2008), “The Women” (2008), “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans” (2009), “The Other Guys” (2010), “Last Night” (2010), “Girl in Progress” (2012), and “The Place Beyond the Pines” (2012) — the film on which she met Ryan Gosling. Mendes largely stepped away from major film roles after 2014 to focus on raising her daughters, making her potential return in “Star Wars: Starfighter” a significant moment for longtime fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Eva Mendes play in Ghost Rider? She played Roxanne Simpson, a news reporter and the love interest of Nicolas Cage’s character, Johnny Blaze.
When was Ghost Rider released? “Ghost Rider” was released in the United States on February 16, 2007.
Is Eva Mendes in the new Ghost Rider movie? As of July 26, 2026, there is no confirmed new “Ghost Rider” film with Eva Mendes attached. Her most recent confirmed project is “Star Wars: Starfighter,” due out in 2027.
Is Eva Mendes making a movie comeback? Yes. As of a July 25, 2026 report, Mendes is actively pursuing new acting roles and has already filmed a part in “Star Wars: Starfighter.”
What is Eva Mendes’ relationship with Ryan Gosling? Mendes and Gosling have been partners since meeting on the set of “The Place Beyond the Pines” in 2011/2012 and share two daughters, Esmeralda and Amada.
Stay tuned as we bring you every update on Eva Mendes’ Hollywood comeback — drop your thoughts in the comments and follow along for the latest!