Marvel's next major leading man has been hiding in plain sight for years.
Ryan Gosling never made his interest in Ghost Rider much of a secret, repeatedly connecting himself to the supernatural Marvel anti-hero long before the studio committed to anything. After years of questions about whether it could actually happen, Marvel Studios finally gave him the role.
Gosling will officially play Johnny Blaze in a new Ghost Rider film planned for 2028, bringing the character back to the big screen in a completely new direction.
Marvel Finally Makes Ryan Gosling's Ghost Rider Official
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige revealed the news during the studio's Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, July 25.
Gosling will headline Ghost Rider (2028), with Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) director Shawn Levy behind the camera.
Marvel hasn't announced a specific release date beyond 2028. The studio hasn't revealed additional cast members or confirmed when production will begin.
Even with those details still unknown, Gosling's involvement represents a major addition to Marvel's future lineup. It also brings an end to years of speculation surrounding one particular role the actor kept mentioning.
Gosling Has Been Chasing Johnny Blaze for Years
The story stretches back to 2022, when Gosling told journalist Josh Horowitz that Ghost Rider was the superhero he wanted to play.
Horowitz later brought Gosling's interest directly to Feige. The Marvel Studios boss reacted positively, saying he would “love to find a place” for the actor in the MCU.
Four years later, that conversation came full circle in Hall H.
During Marvel's Comic-Con presentation, Feige called out Horowitz in the audience. Horowitz once again asked about Gosling and Ghost Rider, setting up the reveal.
Marvel then brought Gosling onto the stage, accompanied by the sound of a revving engine.
Gosling thanked Feige, Horowitz, and the Hall H audience. When asked why he had remained so interested in Ghost Rider, his explanation was surprisingly simple.
“Just a feeling,” Gosling said.
That feeling ultimately landed him a role in a Marvel franchise.
Shawn Levy and Gosling Are Teaming Up Again
Gosling will also enter the MCU alongside a director he already knows well.
He and Levy worked together on Lucasfilm's upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter. While making that movie, the pair began discussing what they could potentially do with Ghost Rider.
Those conversations grew into ideas for a new adaptation.
Levy recalled eventually telling Gosling, “Bro, let's ride.”
The project also brings Levy back to Marvel following Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). That movie paired Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool with Hugh Jackman's Wolverine in a Marvel Studios production.
Ghost Rider gives Levy a chance to tackle a very different type of Marvel character, especially as Johnny Blaze brings supernatural elements into the equation.
Nicolas Cage's Ghost Rider Era Ended in 2012
Gosling will inherit a character with plenty of history outside the MCU.
Nicolas Cage first portrayed Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider (2007), directed by Mark Steven Johnson. The movie followed Blaze's transformation and his battle against Blackheart, played by Wes Bentley.
Peter Fonda appeared as Mephistopheles, while Eva Mendes played Roxanne Simpson. Mendes' involvement creates an interesting connection between the two eras since she is Gosling's longtime partner.
Cage returned in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012), which followed Blaze to Eastern Europe as he tried to protect a child from the Devil.
Neither movie is connected to the MCU, which began with Iron Man (2008).
Johnny Blaze isn't Marvel's only Ghost Rider. Danny Ketch and Robbie Reyes have carried the mantle in Marvel Comics, while Gabriel Luna portrayed Reyes in the fourth season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Gosling's movie, however, will put Johnny Blaze back at the center.
Ghost Rider Could Have a Bigger MCU Future
Marvel hasn't revealed what happens after Ghost Rider (2028), but Johnny Blaze gives the studio plenty of possibilities.
His supernatural background separates him from Marvel's more traditional heroes and could allow the MCU to explore darker stories and characters. A standalone movie could establish that world before Blaze eventually crosses paths with other supernatural figures.
Casting Gosling also gives Marvel an established A-list actor capable of carrying the character beyond one appearance.
For now, Marvel is keeping those plans under wraps.
What once sounded like Gosling's dream superhero casting is officially happening. Johnny Blaze is returning to theaters, Shawn Levy is directing, and Ghost Rider is finally preparing to ride into the MCU.
