Marvel Studios made a major splash at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 on Saturday, announcing that Ryan Gosling will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the iconic motorcycle-riding superhero Ghost Rider. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige revealed the news during the studio's blockbuster Hall H panel, confirming that Shawn Levy — director of Deadpool & Wolverine and the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter — will direct the standalone film, slated for a 2028 release.
Gosling will become the second actor to portray Ghost Rider in a feature film after Nicolas Cage played the fiery Spirit of Vengeance in two Sony-produced movies. The character was also portrayed by Gabriel Luna as the Robbie Reyes version in the ABC series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The new film promises to bring a fresh take to the supernatural hero, with Levy and Gosling having spent considerable time on the set of their upcoming Star Wars project brainstorming ideas for Ghost Rider.
"Ryan and I spent a lot of our downtime on set daydreaming about Ghost Rider and swapping ideas," Levy told the Comic-Con crowd. The announcement was met with thunderous applause from the Hall H audience, marking one of the most anticipated casting reveals of the convention. Gosling, who appeared on stage to a massive ovation, reportedly said he was "blown away" by the fan reaction.
The Ghost Rider announcement was part of a jam-packed Marvel Studios panel that also featured updates on Avengers: Doomsday and other upcoming projects. With Gosling's star power and Levy's proven track record with comic book adaptations, the Ghost Rider film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated entries in the MCU's upcoming slate.