Ryan Gosling Confirmed as Ghost Rider in New Marvel Film
Ryan Gosling is officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking on the role of Ghost Rider in a new standalone film.
Marvel Studios announced the project during its Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, 25 July 2026, with Gosling appearing on stage alongside Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.
The film will be directed by Shawn Levy and is currently planned for release in cinemas in 2028. Marvel has not yet confirmed a specific release date.
Gosling Reunites with Shawn Levy
The project will reunite Gosling with Levy following their collaboration on the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter.
Jonathan Tropper, who also worked on that film, has been named as the writer of the new Ghost Rider screenplay.
Levy is already familiar with the MCU after directing Deadpool & Wolverine, which was released in 2024.
Ghost Rider Enters the MCU
Although Ghost Rider has previously appeared in films and television, the new production will mark the character’s first confirmed feature-film appearance within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Nicolas Cage previously played motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider, released in 2007, and its sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, which reached cinemas in 2012.
The two films were produced outside the MCU. The character’s film rights later returned to Marvel.
A different version of Ghost Rider, Robbie Reyes, was also portrayed by Gabriel Luna in the television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Who Is Ghost Rider?
In Marvel’s comics, Johnny Blaze is a motorcycle stunt performer who becomes connected to a supernatural Spirit of Vengeance following a deal with a demonic figure.
The transformation gives Ghost Rider his unmistakable flaming skull, enhanced strength and control over supernatural fire.
He is also known for using a fiery chain and the Penance Stare, an ability which forces its target to experience the suffering they have caused others.
Marvel’s initial announcement confirmed Gosling as Ghost Rider, although the studio’s official release did not provide detailed plot information or explain how the new film will adapt the character’s comic-book origins.
A New Supernatural Direction for Marvel
Ghost Rider’s arrival could help Marvel Studios explore more of the supernatural side of its universe.
The MCU has already introduced characters and stories involving magic, monsters and darker forces, but Ghost Rider remains one of Marvel’s most recognisable supernatural antiheroes.
Further details about the supporting cast, filming schedule and storyline have not yet been announced.
For now, fans know that Gosling will lead the film, Levy will direct and the Spirit of Vengeance is expected to ride into cinemas sometime in 2028.
