Ryan Gosling Joins the Marvel Universe as the New Ghost Rider

Ryan Gosling’s dream has come true. At San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige announced that the iconic supernatural hero Ghost Rider is making his return to the big screen, with Gosling stepping into the role.

Gosling had shown interest in portraying Ghost Rider as early as 2022, and earlier this year, he hinted that “discussions have been had” with Marvel Studios. Feige expressed enthusiasm about finding a spot for him in the MCU, and now it’s official. Shawn Levy, known for directing Deadpool & Wolverine and the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter (which also features Gosling), will helm this stand-alone film set to release in 2028.

Ghost Rider previously appeared in two live-action films produced by Columbia Pictures: 2007’s Ghost Rider and 2012’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, with Nicolas Cage portraying Johnny Blaze. The film rights reverted to Marvel in 2013, but instead of a new movie, the character was featured in the TV series Agents of SHIELD, where the Robbie Reyes version was played by Gabriel Luna.

The character first debuted in Marvel Comics in 1972 in Marvel Spotlight #5, created by editor-in-chief Roy Thomas, writer Gary Friedrich, and artist Mike Ploog. Johnny Blaze, a stuntman, makes a deal with the devil—Marvel’s Mephisto—to save his foster father’s life.

Despite the character’s convoluted history over the past 54 years, Ghost Rider remains a visually striking figure, capturing the hearts of comic book fans. Now, fans are eager to see how he will be portrayed in an MCU theatrical release.