Comic-Con 2016 finally confirmed that the fourth season of "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." will feature Ghost Rider, a rumor that went on for weeks. The ABC series' showrunners said the arrival of Ghost Rider serves as the show's link to the bigger world of "Doctor Strange."
'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.' Deals With Both Science And Magic
"Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." is typically a show that uses science to explain its characters' superpowers. And the sudden arrival of magic served by "Doctor Strange" will make the team question everything -- starting with Gabriel Luna's Ghost Rider, also known as Robbie Reyes.
"Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." showrunners Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen said they "felt like now is the time" to explore the Marvel Cinematic Universe's magical side, which is a deviation from the show's inclination towards the spy and espionage world, Hypable reported. Chloe Bennet, who portrays Daisy Johnson, agreed with the path the show is currently pursuing.
The actress said the Inhumans' powers are "rooted in science" and can be explained by Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) and Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge). "So I'm curious to see how the writers are going to write it... to explain how [Ghost Rider] could possibly have his skull be lit on fire, and then be fine," Bennett added, as quoted by Hypable.
Who Is Robbie Reyes?
Marvel Comics first introduced Robbie Reyes in 2014's "All-New Ghost Rider" series, according to Comic Book Resources. Reyes, a quick-tempered Mexican-American teenager, was created by Felipe Smith and Tradd Moore.
After he was fatally shot and set aflame by a gang, Reyes was revived by a bloodthirsty spirit and his estranged uncle Eli Morrow. Only now Reyes and Eli must fight for control over his body.
The fourth season of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." will also introduce Lilli Birdsell in a recurring role. According to Deadline, the actress will portray Lucy, a "beautiful woman with a haunting quality." Her past will push Lucy to become violent.
Whedon said "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." Season 4 will showcase the team developing "some very advanced technology" as part of the Life Model Decoy program, Hypable further reported. This cutting-edge technology will likely muddle the differences between science and magic.
Tancharoen, meanwhile, said that "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s" move to a later timeslot has given them the opportunity to "go sexier" and to embrace an "after dark" feel," ScreenCrush reported. "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." Season 4 airs on Sept. 20 at 10 PM EST on ABC. Watch the series' Ghost Rider teaser from SDCC 2016 below.
