At San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Marvel Studios officially announced that Ryan Gosling will finally take on the role of the Spirit of Vengeance in a new Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, slated for release in 2028. The actor, long rumored for the part, will be directed by Shawn Levy (Free Guy, Deadpool & Wolverine) from a script by Jonathan Tropper. The creative team reunites following the 2027 Star Wars film Star Wars: Starfighter, which also stars Gosling.
Which Incarnation of Ghost Rider Will Ryan Gosling Play?
The burning question among fans is which version of Ghost Rider will hit the screen. In the comics, the mantle has been worn by several characters: Johnny Blaze, the stuntman who made a deal with Mephisto; Danny Ketch, the leather-clad biker with mystic chains; and Robbie Reyes, the modern muscle-car driver. Each has unique powers and tonal differences. Johnny Blaze is the most iconic, famously portrayed by Nicolas Cage, but the MCU may want to distance itself from those films. Danny Ketch is darker and more supernatural, while Robbie Reyes already appeared in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The choice will dictate the film's style, ranging from psychological horror to action spectacle.
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Clues from the Creative Team and Marvel Universe
Shawn Levy is known for blending adventure with heart, while Tropper wrote dramas like Banshee. If the film follows the approach of Spider-Man Brand New Day – which received rave first reactions – it might lean lighter, but Ghost Rider needs darkness. The MCU has recently explored magic with Doctor Strange and Moon Knight. A clue: Gosling has expressed interest in playing a "cool and damned" character, suggesting a classic take like Blaze or Ketch. A hybrid version is also possible.
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The MCU Landscape and 2028 Expectations
This announcement comes as Marvel expands supernatural corners: Blade and Midnight Sons are in development. Ghost Rider could anchor that saga. Releasing in 2028, it falls in Phase 7 after Secret Wars. Fans hope for a faithful design with the hellfire and signature motorcycle. According to sources, filming will begin in 2027, right after Starfighter.
For more on the character's origins, check the Wikipedia page for Ghost Rider. Stay updated on Marvel news with our article on Spider-Man Brand New Day and the MacBook Ultra redesign.
Source: https://screenrant.com/which-ghost-rider-is-ryan-gosling-playing-in-the-mcu
