Ryan Gosling joins Marvel as Ghost Rider in new film
Ryan Gosling is officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The "Project Hail Mary" star will play Ghost Rider in a new Marvel Studios film set to hit theaters in 2028, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige announced Saturday during the studio's Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con.
Shawn Levy, who previously directed Marvel Studios' "Deadpool & Wolverine," will direct the upcoming film, according to Marvel.
Feige introduced Gosling during the panel, with the actor taking the stage to cheers from the crowd.
"Wow, is this really happening?" Gosling said. "As you know, this is a character I’ve wanted to play for a very long time."
Gosling then told the audience that "only one director" could bring Ghost Rider to the screen before welcoming Levy to the stage.
Gosling and Levy recently worked together on the upcoming "Star Wars: Starfighter," which is set to hit theaters May 28, 2027.
Levy said the two began discussing ideas for Ghost Rider while working together on the "Star Wars" film.
"As Ryan started talking about his vision for this character, we started riffing," Levy said. "And I finally said, 'Bro, let’s ride.' So guys, we’ll see you in 2028."
The upcoming film will bring Ghost Rider to the MCU after the character previously appeared on the big screen in two Sony films starring Nicolas Cage.
Cage first portrayed Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stuntman who becomes the supernatural Ghost Rider, in 2007's "Ghost Rider." He reprised the role in the 2012 sequel, "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance."
In Marvel Comics, Ghost Rider is known as the Spirit of Vengeance and is recognizable for his flaming skull and motorcycle.
A different incarnation of the character later appeared in the Marvel-ABC series "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," with Gabriel Luna portraying Robbie Reyes.
Gosling's Ghost Rider will mark the character's first appearance in a Marvel Studios film and another major franchise role for the actor. Before joining the MCU, Gosling will enter the "Star Wars" universe with "Star Wars: Starfighter" in 2027.
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