Ryan Gosling has been cast as the next Ghost Rider in a standalone film set for release in 2028, Marvel Studios announced Saturday at San Diego Comic-Con. Gosling, an Oscar nominee known for his roles in "Barbie" and "La La Land," expressed his long-held desire to play the character.
The "Ghost Rider" movie will reunite Gosling with director Shawn Levy and writer Jonathan Tropper, who previously collaborated on the upcoming "Star Wars: Starfighter." Levy, who also directed "Deadpool & Wolverine," shared his enthusiasm for working with Gosling again.
"Gosling is the absolute s---. I say that with tremendous respect," Levy told the crowd. "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!'"
The role of Ghost Rider was previously played by Nicolas Cage in the 2007 film "Ghost Rider" and its 2011 sequel, "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance." Eva Mendes, who starred as Roxanne Simpson in the original film, has not yet been confirmed to return.
In another significant casting announcement, David Jonsson, known for his role in "Alien: Romulus," will portray an adult version of T'Challa's son and assume the mantle of Black Panther in "Black Panther 3." Director Ryan Coogler confirmed the sequel is scheduled to be released on December 15, 2028.
"Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and privilege and the blessing to join," Jonsson said on stage. The character of T'Challa's son was first introduced in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," revealing a child he had with Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong'o. The late Chadwick Boseman, who originated the role of T'Challa, died in 2020 at the age of 43.
Amidst the casting news, Ryan Reynolds made an appearance at Comic-Con, sparking further speculation about his Marvel future. Reynolds, who has not been officially announced for "Avengers: Doomsday," appeared in the crowd wearing Deadpool's gray X-Force suit. He joked about his presence, adding to rumors of a potential Deadpool appearance in the upcoming Marvel blockbuster.