Ryan Gosling cast as Ghost Rider in Marvel Cinematic Universe standalone film

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has expanded its roster with one of Hollywood's most talked-about casting additions, as Ryan Gosling steps into the supernatural role of Ghost Rider. The announcement came during San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, 25 July 2026, shifting the landscape of upcoming superhero cinema and setting up a brand-new standalone feature for the character.

According to Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige, the project will land in theaters in 2028. The film will be directed by Shawn Levy, who previously helmed Deadpool & Wolverine for the studio and recently collaborated with Gosling on Star Wars: Starfighter. Stepping onto the stage in Hall H alongside Feige and his director, Gosling addressed the cheering audience with visible enthusiasm.

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"Wow, is this really happening? As you know, this is a character I've wanted to play for a very long time."

Ryan Gosling, actor, via Yahoo News

The actor had previously campaigned for the part, confirming in a podcast interview that he had been in discussions with Marvel about the role. Levy praised the casting choice during the panel discussion.

"Gosling is the absolute s***. I say that with tremendous respect. We spent a lot of time last year making Starfighter, and [when] Ryan started talking about this character, I was like, 'Bro, let's ride.' We'll see you in 2028!"

Shawn Levy, director, via Mirror

The upcoming standalone film marks the character's official theatrical debut under the Marvel Studios banner, following earlier cinematic adaptations produced by Sony. Nicolas Cage famously played motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze in 2007's Ghost Rider and its sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Those earlier features existed outside the MCU continuity, though the character was later re-imagined for television in ABC's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. featuring a different incarnation, Robbie Reyes, played by Gabriel Luna.

Fans responding to the news on social media quickly united around a common wish regarding the legacy of the flaming anti-hero. According to reporting by Mirror, numerous enthusiasts expressed hope that Nicolas Cage might make a cameo appearance in the 2028 release as a nod to his pioneering portrayal, despite other fans pointing out that Cage already voices Spider-Man Noir in Sony's animated spider-verse.

In the comic lore, Johnny Blaze makes a pact to surrender his soul to an arch-demon to save his foster father's life, resulting in a supernatural transformation that leaves him with a flaming skull and a blazing motorcycle whenever evil is present. Interestingly, Gosling's longtime partner, Eva Mendes, starred alongside Cage in the 2007 film.

The blockbuster Ghost Rider announcement was accompanied by a flurry of other major updates during the studio's convention presentation. Filmmaker Ryan Coogler confirmed he will write and direct Black Panther III, welcoming actor David Jonsson to the stage to lead the film. Jonsson is expected to portray T'Challa II, the son introduced at the conclusion of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Additional casting details emerged, confirming that Hayley Atwell will reprise her role as Peggy Carter alongside Chris Evans. Meanwhile, attendees were treated to exclusive convention footage of Robert Downey Jr. as the villainous Dr. Doom.

Key Marvel Cinematic Universe Releases & Announcements

• Star Wars: Starfighter — Releasing on 28 May 2027 (collaborative project between Gosling and Levy)
• Avengers: Secret Wars — Scheduled for 17 December 2027
• Ghost Rider, Standalone film starring Ryan Gosling, directed by Shawn Levy, arriving in 2028
• Black Panther III, Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, starring David Jonsson
• Avengers: Doomsday, Opening in theaters on 18 December 2026, featuring Robert Downey Jr. As Dr. Doom

More updates on the production timeline for Gosling's supernatural debut are expected as Marvel Studios advances its slate.