Ryan Gosling is officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and fans could not be more excited. During Marvel Studios’ massive presentation at San Diego Comic Con 2026, the studio confirmed that the Oscar nominated actor will play the iconic superhero Ghost Rider in a brand new movie scheduled to release in 2028. The announcement was one of the biggest surprises of the event and immediately became one of the most talked about moments among Marvel fans around the world. The film will be directed by Shawn Levy, who previously directed the blockbuster Deadpool and Wolverine and is also working with Gosling on the upcoming Star Wars Starfighter.
Ryan Gosling joined the Marvel panel on stage to celebrate the exciting announcement. Speaking to the cheering crowd, the actor admitted that Ghost Rider is a role he has wanted to play for many years. His excitement was clear as he thanked fans for their support. Director Shawn Levy also praised Gosling, calling him the perfect choice to bring the legendary Marvel character to life. He ended the announcement with a simple but powerful message, telling fans to get ready for the ride when the movie arrives in theaters in 2028. The confirmation finally puts an end to years of speculation about Gosling joining the Marvel universe.
Ghost Rider enters the MCU 🔥
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 26, 2026
Ryan Gosling will star in Marvel Studios' Ghost Rider, directed by Shawn Levy. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/MR2HJww2Wg
Ghost Rider is one of Marvel’s most popular supernatural heroes. The character is best known as Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stunt performer who makes a dangerous deal that transforms him into a fiery spirit seeking justice. The role was previously played by Nicolas Cage in the films Ghost Rider and Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance, released in 2007 and 2011. Although those movies were based on Marvel Comics, they were not connected to the current Marvel Cinematic Universe. Interestingly, Gosling’s longtime partner Eva Mendes starred alongside Cage in the first Ghost Rider film, playing Johnny Blaze’s love interest. Later, actor Gabriel Luna played another version of Ghost Rider named Robbie Reyes in the television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The show hinted that Johnny Blaze also existed in the Marvel universe, but never officially introduced him. Marvel also explored plans for a Ghost Rider television series a few years ago, but the project was eventually canceled before production began.
Fans have been hoping to see Ryan Gosling join Marvel for several years. Back in 2022, interviewer Josh Horowitz revealed that Gosling had expressed interest in playing Ghost Rider. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige responded at the time by saying he would love to find the right place for the actor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Earlier this year, Gosling also confirmed that discussions about the role had taken place, although he described the process as complicated. Now those talks have finally led to an official casting announcement. Marvel also used its Comic Con panel to reveal another major project, confirming that Black Panther 3 will arrive in December 2028 with David Jonsson taking over as the new Black Panther. With Ryan Gosling now officially entering the MCU as Ghost Rider, Marvel’s future lineup has become even more exciting for fans across the globe.