Ryan Gosling Confirms Ghost Rider Role for 2028 Marvel Movie

The announcement was made by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige onstage at the San Diego Comic-Con Hall H presentation.

The actor, whose recent credits include Project Hail Mary, confirmed his long-standing desire for the role during the panel. This marks Gosling's first entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his debut in a superhero film.

What Are the Confirmed Details?

The project has several key elements already in place.

• Star: Ryan Gosling as Johnny Blaze / Ghost Rider.
• Director: Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine).
• Writer: Jonathan Tropper.
• Release Year: 2028.
• Announcement Venue: Marvel Studios' Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.

"As you know, this is a character I’ve wanted to play for a very long time," Gosling said from the stage, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "So, Kevin, Josh Horowitz, Hall H, thank you." Levy, who recently directed Gosling in the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. "Gosling is the absolute shit," Levy said. "I say that with tremendous respect."

Who Is Ghost Rider?

The character of Johnny Blaze, a stunt motorcyclist who sells his soul to the demon Mephisto and becomes the flaming-skulled Spirit of Vengeance, was first created for Marvel Comics in 1972.

The character also appeared in live-action television, portrayed by Gabriel Luna as Robbie Reyes in the fourth season of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Why This Casting Makes Sense

The pairing of Gosling and Levy continues a successful working relationship that began on Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled for release in 2027. Levy brings proven Marvel experience, having directed 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine, which TheWrap reported stands as the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time.

Gosling's casting follows years of public interest from both the actor and Feige. In 2022, Feige responded to Gosling's earlier comments about the role by saying, "Hey man, if Ryan wants to be Ghost Rider…" according to TheWrap. The actor had previously been in discussions for the role of DC's Green Lantern.

What Happens Next?

The film is officially slated for a 2028 release. With Levy and writer Jonathan Tropper attached, the project moves into active development following the Comic-Con announcement. No further casting or production start date has been revealed.

Gosling's next major project remains Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Levy, which will hit theaters on May 28, 2027.

The 2007 Ghost Rider Film

Its supporting cast included Eva Mendes as Roxanne Simpson, Sam Elliott as Carter Slade, Wes Bentley as Blackheart, and Peter Fonda as Mephistopheles. The film's premise, according to TMDB, involves a young stunt cyclist selling his soul to save his father, then years later being offered his freedom if he becomes the fiery 'Ghost Rider'.

It was rated PG-13 and has a runtime of 114 minutes. The film's thematic keywords from TMDB include soul selling, the devil, a stuntman, and a person on fire.

As of July 2026, the 2007 Ghost Rider is available to stream in the U.S. on Philo, Starz, Starz Roku Premium Channel, and YouTube TV. The film received mixed critical reception, holding a 28% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 35 out of 100 on Metacritic, according to verified data.