Gabriel Luna on Ghost Rider’s lasting legacy.
When I spoke with Gabriel Luna to discuss his new film, The Astronaut — in theaters on October 17th — our conversation eventually drifted toward one of his most beloved past roles.
The Astronaut, written and directed by Jess Varley, stars Kate Mara, Laurence Fishburne, Gabriel Luna, Ivana Milicevic, Macy Gray, and introduces Scarlett Holmes. The film follows astronaut Sam Walker (Mara), who mysteriously crash-lands back to Earth and is placed under strict NASA surveillance by General Harris (Fishburne). As strange events unfold, she begins to suspect that something extraterrestrial may have followed her home.
But between talking about cosmic paranoia and grounded sci-fi storytelling, I couldn’t resist steering the conversation back to another universe entirely — the fiery world of Ghost Rider.
A Role That Still Burns Bright
Luna, who played Robbie Reyes in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4 has long been praised for its emotionally layered performance. His version of Ghost Rider — a young mechanic bonded with a demonic spirit — quickly became a fan favorite, reigniting enthusiasm for the series and introducing a new generation to the Spirit of Vengeance.
When I mentioned how fans still celebrate that performance today, Luna couldn’t hide his pride and gratitude. “I love it. That makes me so happy,” Luna told Nerdtropolis. “That’s all you want to do, man — try to do something right. If you do it right, it’ll be here long after you’re gone. As long as people are still saying your name, then you’re still around.”
He added with a grin, “As long as somebody still has that Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. steelbook, people remember it fondly and care about it.”
Carrying a Piece of Ghost Rider Forward
When asked whether his past characters ever influence his new roles, Luna admitted that each one leaves a mark — and Robbie Reyes is no exception.
“There’s a bit of Robbie in that (The Astronaut),” Luna said. “I think there’s a fierceness in protecting your cub, in protecting the person you’re responsible for. Robbie always felt that for his brother, Gabriel. But those are also just human qualities we all possess.”
That same protective energy and emotional honesty have carried through to Luna’s later roles — from The Last of Us to The Astronaut — giving his characters a grounded, human edge even in extraordinary settings.
A Defining Chapter in the Marvel TV Era
For many fans, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4 remains one of the show’s best — thanks in large part to the Ghost Rider arc. Luna’s arrival gave the series a darker tone, a cinematic feel, and a storyline that balanced heart, horror, and heroism.
Reflecting on that time, Luna shared a fond memory involving his former castmates Clark Gregg, Chloe Bennet, and Ming-Na Wen, who recently reunited at New York Comic Con. “Somebody sent me a video of them on stage recalling their favorite seasons,” Luna said. “It was unanimous that the fourth season was their favorite. That’s a badge of pride for me.”
It’s a sentiment that echoes the fan community’s feelings — with many still calling for Luna’s return, whether in a Ghost Rider revival or as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Spirit Still Rides
Nearly a decade later, Luna’s Ghost Rider continues to hold a special place in Marvel history — and in his heart. “I loved the Ghost Rider before I ever became Robbie Reyes, Ghost Rider,” Luna reflected. “So I’m always just… oh man, thankful for that.”
That passion is clear, whether he’s battling alien mysteries in The Astronaut or channeling vengeance and justice as Robbie Reyes. Gabriel Luna’s work is defined by depth, sincerity, and a connection that keeps fans cheering years later.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
