Ryan Gosling is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking on the iconic role of Ghost Rider in a new standalone film. The announcement was made at San Diego Comic-Con, with Marvel Studios executive Kevin Feige introducing the actor.
Directed by Shawn Levy, who recently helmed "Deadpool & Wolverine," the Ghost Rider film is slated for a 2028 release. Levy, who also collaborated with Gosling on the forthcoming "Star Wars: Starfighter" movie, expressed his enthusiasm for working with the actor again. "Gosling is the absolute s---," Levy stated on stage. "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!"
Gosling's casting marks his return to major comic book adaptations. He was previously rumored to be in talks for a role in "Project Hail Mary," but an abrupt exit from that film was confirmed two months ago, citing scheduling conflicts. "Star Wars: Starfighter" is expected to premiere in May 2027.
The character of Ghost Rider has previously been portrayed by Nicolas Cage in the 2007 film "Ghost Rider" and its 2011 sequel, "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance." Gabriel Luna also played the character in the television series "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Gosling's partner, Eva Mendes, who starred alongside Nicolas Cage in the first "Ghost Rider" film, has no plans to appear in the upcoming project. Mendes and Gosling met on the set of "The Place Beyond the Pines" in 2011.
The origin story of the Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze, involves a deal with the devil to save his father's life, resulting in him becoming bonded with the Spirit of Vengeance. This grants him supernatural abilities, including super strength, fiery chains, and the Penance Stare, which forces targets to experience the pain they have inflicted on others.