During Marvel Studios’ Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige officially announced that Ryan Gosling will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider.
The standalone film, scheduled for theatrical release in 2028, will be directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine). The announcement resolves years of online casting fan-casts and public interest from Gosling regarding the supernatural antihero.
The project reunites Gosling and Levy, who recently wrapped production together on Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter. Speaking on stage at Hall H, Gosling shared his enthusiasm for taking on the iconic character:
“As you know, this is a character I’ve wanted to play for a very long time,” Gosling told the crowd. “Only one director could bring Ghost Rider to the screen.”
Levy explained that discussions surrounding the project began during downtime on their previous film set:
“As Ryan started talking about his vision for this character, we started riffing,” Levy recalled. “And I finally said, ‘Bro, let’s ride.’ So guys, we’ll see you in 2028.”
Ghost Rider’s arrival marks a significant expansion into the supernatural, occult side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Comic Legacy: Created by Roy Thomas, Gary Friedrich, and Mike Ploog, the motorcycle-riding antihero derives power from the mystical Spirit of Vengeance.
Live-Action History: The character was previously portrayed on the big screen by Nicolas Cage (Ghost Rider, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance) and on television by Gabriel Luna (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.).
Mystical Powers: The antihero is best known for his Hellfire manipulation, supernatural chain, Hell Cycle, and the Penance Stare.
Marvel Studios has not yet confirmed whether Gosling will portray original Ghost Rider Johnny Blaze, Danny Ketch, or another iteration from Marvel Comics.
