Actor Ryan Gosling is officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking on the iconic role of Ghost Rider in an upcoming feature film slated for release in 2028. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige made the announcement alongside Gosling during a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, instantly shifting the conversation around the studio’s upcoming slate.
The project brings together high-profile creative talent behind the camera, pairing director Shawn Levy with writer Jonathan Tropper. The duo recently collaborated on the upcoming Star Wars film Starfighter, and their involvement signals a major production push for Marvel’s supernatural franchise as development gets underway ahead of its late-decade theatrical debut.
While the casting marks Gosling’s first major entry into the superhero genre, the property carries a fun household connection. Gosling’s wife, Eva Mendes, previously starred in the 2007 Ghost Rider film alongside Nicolas Cage, which followed the motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze as he transforms into a fiery spirit of vengeance after selling his soul.
Marvel Studios Sets 2028 Release for New Supernatural Blockbuster
According to announcements made during the convention’s Hall H panel, the new Ghost Rider film is scheduled to ride into theaters in 2028. Marvel has not yet disclosed additional casting details or specific plot points for how the character will integrate into the broader MCU timeline.
A Nod to Franchise History
The addition of Gosling to the mantle introduces a fresh chapter for a character last seen on the big screen nearly two decades ago. The 2007 Sony adaptation starring Nicolas Cage and Eva Mendes remains a notable entry in early comic book cinema history, establishing a distinct tone for anti-hero adaptations before the modern interconnected universe model dominated Hollywood.
Marvel Studios has kept plot specifics tightly under wraps, leaving audiences to anticipate further updates as production milestones approach.