Ryan Gosling is officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe after being announced as the new Ghost Rider during a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con.
The three-time Oscar nominee took to the stage to reveal he will play Johnny Blaze, the iconic motorcycle-riding anti-hero, in a standalone Ghost Rider film scheduled for release in 2028.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Gosling said Ghost Rider is a character he has wanted to portray for many years.
“Wow, is this really happening?” the actor said after receiving a rousing reception from fans.
The upcoming film will mark the third live-action Ghost Rider movie, following the 2007 original and its 2011 sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, both of which starred Nicolas Cage in the lead role.
The announcement came after Kevin Feige told Comic-Con attendees he was frequently asked when Gosling would join the Marvel franchise. Moments later, the lights dimmed before the actor made his surprise entrance.
Earlier this year, Gosling confirmed he had been in discussions with Marvel during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, fuelling speculation that he would eventually join the superhero universe.
The new film will be directed by Shawn Levy, who previously helmed Deadpool & Wolverine and is also collaborating with Gosling on the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter.
Levy told fans that conversations about Ghost Rider began while the pair were working together, explaining that they regularly discussed ideas for the character before deciding to bring the project to life.
Ghost Rider follows the story of stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze, who becomes bonded with the supernatural Spirit of Vengeance after striking a deal with the demon Mephisto to save the life of his surrogate father. The pact transforms Blaze into the flaming-skulled vigilante known as Ghost Rider.
Marvel also unveiled several other major projects during this year’s Comic-Con, including a new trailer for Avengers: Doomsday and confirmation that Black Panther 3 will arrive in 2028.
Elsewhere at the convention, Ryan Reynolds delighted fans with a surprise appearance dressed as Deadpool during an Avengers: Doomsday panel. In character, Reynolds jokingly questioned cast members including Robert Downey Jr. and Paul Rudd, prompting playful exchanges that entertained the audience.
The announcements made Marvel Studios one of the biggest attractions at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, with Gosling’s casting as Ghost Rider emerging as one of the convention’s headline moments.
Discover more from Niyi Daram
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
