Ryan Gosling has officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider, with the actor set to lead a new film arriving in 2028.
The announcement was made during Marvel Studios’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con, with Shawn Levy set to direct, reuniting the filmmaker with Gosling following Star Wars: Starfighter.
“Wow, is this really happening?” Gosling said as he addressed the crowd. “As you know, this is a character I’ve wanted to play for a very long time.”
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Gosling then said that “only one director” could bring Ghost Rider to the screen, welcoming Levy to the stage.
“I’m having the greatest flashback vibes here, because I was here two years ago when we showed Deadpool & Wolverine,” said Levy.
“I’ll never forget that night, because I was introduced to the greatest fans. Gosling is the absolute s**t. I say that with tremendous respect. We spent a lot of time last year making Starfighter, and the opportunity as Ryan started talking about this character, I was like, ‘Bro, let’s ride.’ We’ll see you in 2028!”
It had long been rumoured that Gosling was being lined up to play Ghost Rider after entertainment journalist Josh Horowitz posted: “Ryan and I chatted about the Nova rumours yesterday, which he said aren’t true. BUT this morning Ryan reached out to me to say there is one superhero he wants to play… GHOST RIDER.”
When asked about Gosling’s interest in taking on the role, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said: “Ryan’s amazing. I’d love to find a place for him in the MCU. He’s dressed up as Ken on Venice Beach and gets more press than giant movies coming out that weekend. It’s amazing.”
Earlier this year, Gosling confirmed that discussions had taken place about joining the MCU.
“We’ll keep hope alive,” he told Horowitz. “Some discussions have been had. It’s a complicated situation.”
Ghost Rider is one of Marvel’s most iconic anti-heroes, with several characters having taken on the mantle over the years, including Johnny Blaze, Danny Ketch and Robbie Reyes.
Nicolas Cage first played Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider (2007) and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011), although neither film was part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Gabriel Luna later portrayed Robbie Reyes in the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. between 2016 and 2017.
Ghost Rider has not appeared in live action since then – until now.
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