Ryan Gosling joins Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider in 2028 film

Ryan Gosling has officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Ghost Rider, marking a significant addition to the franchise's expanding roster of characters. The announcement, made during Marvel Studios' Comic-Con 2026 Hall H panel, revealed that Gosling will portray the supernatural antihero in a standalone film set for release in 2028. The news was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, with Gosling himself expressing disbelief at the moment, stating, “Wow, is this really happening?”

The film, directed by Shawn Levy, will be the first MCU adaptation of Ghost Rider, a character previously depicted in two Sony Pictures films starring Nicolas Cage (2007 and 2011). Levy, who also directed Deadpool & Wolverine, confirmed his collaboration with Gosling on the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, which is set for release in May 2027. The duo’s creative partnership began during the production of Star Wars: Starfighter, where Gosling’s vision for Ghost Rider led to the project’s greenlighting. “As Ryan started talking about his vision for this character, we started riffing,” Levy said. “And I finally said, ‘Bro, let’s ride.’”

Gosling’s long-standing interest in the role was highlighted in multiple sources. He first expressed his desire to play Ghost Rider in 2022, a sentiment echoed by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, who praised Gosling’s “amazing” talent and enthusiasm for the character. The actor’s connection to the franchise extends beyond his own career; his partner, Eva Mendes, starred alongside Cage in the 2007 Ghost Rider film, adding a personal layer to his casting. Gosling humorously acknowledged this during the panel, noting, “I’m just happy one of us got to do it.”

The Ghost Rider character, originally conceived in Marvel Comics in 1972, is based on Johnny Blaze, a stunt motorcyclist bound to the Spirit of Vengeance after a pact with the demon Mephisto. The film will follow this origin story, featuring the character’s signature flaming skull, motorcycle, and supernatural abilities. Unlike previous adaptations, this version will integrate Ghost Rider into the MCU, potentially bridging ties with other Marvel properties. The film’s release in 2028 coincides with the debut of *Avengers: Doomsday*, a major crossover event set to expand the MCU’s narrative scope.

Alongside the Ghost Rider announcement, Marvel also revealed details about *Black Panther 3*, with David Jonsson cast as T’Challa’s son, T’Challa II. Jonsson, known for his roles in *Industry* and *The Long Walk*, will take over the mantle from the late Chadwick Boseman, whose character’s son was introduced in *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (2022). Director Ryan Coogler, who helmed the first two *Black Panther* films, will return to oversee the third installment, slated for December 15, 2028. Jonsson’s onstage reaction to the announcement was one of gratitude, stating, “Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and the blessing to join.”

The Comic-Con panel also teased developments in the Avengers franchise, including a new trailer for *Avengers: Doomsday*. The film, set for release on December 18, 2026, will feature Robert Downey Jr. As Victor Von Doom, with connections to the Fantastic Four and X-Men universes. The trailer, shown exclusively to attendees, depicted Doom’s complex backstory, including a scene where Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) describes him as a “broken person” shaped by loss. The panel concluded with a humorous moment as Ryan Reynolds, in a grey Deadpool costume, interrupted to plead for a role in the film, only to be met with a witty response from Downey Jr.

Marvel’s announcements at Comic-Con underscored the studio’s strategy to address recent challenges, including critical backlash to some MCU films and an overabundance of Disney+ series. The inclusion of Gosling, a Hollywood icon known for his versatility, signals a new era for the MCU, blending established superhero lore with fresh creative directions.