Marvel Studios has officially confirmed that Ryan Gosling will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the iconic supernatural antihero Ghost Rider, with the highly anticipated film set for release in 2028.
The surprise announcement came during Marvel Studios’ blockbuster presentation at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige thrilled thousands of fans with one of the biggest reveals of the event.
Marvel Delivers Surprise Ghost Rider Reveal
While speaking on stage, Kevin Feige teased fans by reminding them that Marvel keeps major projects secret to preserve the excitement of surprise announcements.
The presentation took an unexpected turn when Feige jokingly interacted with film critic Josh Horowitz, who asked the question many Marvel fans have been waiting years to hear: When will Ryan Gosling become Ghost Rider?
Moments later, the convention hall went dark before the words “Ghost Rider” appeared across the giant screen in blazing red letters.
As the lights returned, Ryan Gosling walked onto the stage to thunderous applause from the packed audience.
Ryan Gosling Calls It a Dream Role
Clearly excited by the announcement, Gosling admitted he had wanted to portray Ghost Rider for many years.
The award-winning actor revealed that while filming Star Wars: Starfighter, he repeatedly discussed the possibility of bringing Ghost Rider to the big screen with director Shawn Levy.
According to Gosling, there was only one filmmaker he believed could successfully introduce the supernatural Marvel character into the MCU.
Shawn Levy Confirmed as Director
Shortly after Gosling’s appearance, director Shawn Levy joined him on stage, confirming that their conversations during production of Star Wars: Starfighter eventually evolved into serious discussions about making Ghost Rider.
Levy joked that after countless creative conversations, he finally told Gosling:
“Bro, let’s ride.”
The announcement received one of the loudest reactions of Marvel’s entire Comic-Con presentation.
Ghost Rider Finally Enters the MCU
Ghost Rider first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1967, but became widely popular after Johnny Blaze debuted as the supernatural Spirit of Vengeance in Marvel Spotlight #5 in 1972.
The character’s origin tells the story of stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze, who makes a deal with the devil to save someone he loves. As a result, he transforms into a fiery skull-headed vigilante who hunts evil with supernatural powers.
Ghost Rider has long been one of Marvel’s most requested characters for the MCU, making Gosling’s casting a major milestone for Marvel Studios.
Nicolas Cage Previously Played Ghost Rider
The character previously appeared on the big screen with Nicolas Cage starring as Johnny Blaze in the 2007 Ghost Rider film alongside Eva Mendes, followed by the sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance in 2011.
Marvel Studios’ new adaptation will officially integrate Ghost Rider into the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time.
With Ryan Gosling taking on the role and Shawn Levy directing, expectations are already soaring for one of Marvel’s biggest superhero projects of the decade.
