Kevin Feige announces Ryan Gosling will headline a standalone Ghost Rider film directed by Shawn Levy.
Ryan Gosling has officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with Marvel Studios confirming that the Oscar-nominated actor will play Ghost Rider in an upcoming standalone film.
The announcement was made during Marvel Studios’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, July 25, where Gosling made a surprise appearance alongside Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.
Feige confirmed that the Barbie and The Notebook star will portray the iconic supernatural antihero, marking Gosling’s first role in a superhero franchise.
Speaking to fans at Hall H, Gosling expressed his excitement about taking on one of Marvel’s most popular characters.
“As you know, this is a character I’ve wanted to play for a long time,” the actor said.
The role was previously portrayed by Nicolas Cage in 2007’s Ghost Rider and its 2012 sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
Marvel also announced that the film will be directed by Shawn Levy, who previously helmed the blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine and is currently collaborating with Gosling on the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter.
Speaking during the Comic-Con panel, Levy recalled his previous appearance at Hall H while promoting Deadpool & Wolverine and praised Gosling.
“I’ll never forget that night, because I was introduced to the greatest fans,” Levy said.
“Ryan Gosling is the absolute s—. 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!”
Although Marvel Studios did not reveal an official release date, Levy’s remarks suggest the film is targeting a 2028 debut.
The project will introduce Ghost Rider into the MCU after years of fan speculation over when the character would make his return to Marvel’s shared cinematic universe.
Ghost Rider is one of Marvel Comics’ most recognisable supernatural heroes. Known as the Spirit of Vengeance, the character transforms into a flaming skeleton who rides a hellfire-powered motorcycle while delivering justice to the wicked.
Gosling’s casting has generated significant excitement among Marvel fans, many of whom have long suggested the actor as a strong choice to portray the antihero.
With Marvel Studios continuing to expand into darker supernatural stories, the upcoming Ghost Rider film is expected to become a major addition to the MCU’s future slate.