Ryan Gosling Is Ghost Rider: MCU Details

TL;DR — Ryan Gosling is officially playing Johnny Blaze, the Ghost Rider, in a new standalone Marvel Studios film directed by Shawn Levy, announced at San Diego Comic-Con on July 26, 2026. The film releases in 2028. Here's everything confirmed, and why this is a genuinely bigger deal than a typical casting announcement.

Is Ryan Gosling really playing Ghost Rider?

Yes, officially confirmed at Marvel's Hall H panel at Comic-Con 2026. Gosling walked on stage after Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed the casting, telling the crowd: "As you know, this is a character I've wanted to play for a very long time." The reveal came after a running bit of speculation — journalist Josh Horowitz had been publicly pressing Feige about Gosling and Ghost Rider for weeks leading up to Comic-Con.

Who is Ghost Rider, and which version is Gosling playing?

Gosling is playing Johnny Blaze, the original and best-known version of Ghost Rider in Marvel Comics — a motorcycle stuntman who sells his soul to the demon Mephisto to save his surrogate father, unknowingly becoming bound to the Spirit of Vengeance, Zarathos. The character has previously appeared on screen played by Nicolas Cage in two Sony-produced films (2007 and 2012's Spirit of Vengeance), which existed outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This new film marks Ghost Rider's first true entry into the MCU proper.

When does the Ghost Rider movie come out, and who's directing?

The film is slated for 2028, directed by Shawn Levy — who also directed Deadpool & Wolverine and is currently working with Gosling on Star Wars: Starfighter, releasing May 2027. The screenplay comes from Jonathan Tropper, also writing Starfighter. No filming start date or additional cast members have been announced yet.

Why is this casting such a big deal?

A few reasons this lands differently than a typical Marvel announcement. First, Gosling has been vocal about wanting this specific role for years, making the reveal feel like a genuine payoff rather than a studio simply filling a casting slot. Second, it continues an ongoing collaboration between Gosling and Levy across two major franchises at once — a real vote of confidence in their creative partnership. Third, it deepens Marvel's supernatural corner of the universe, joining characters like Blade, Moon Knight, and Werewolf by Night, which some fans have speculated could eventually form a Midnight Sons team-up film.

Will Ghost Rider appear before his 2028 solo film?

It's unconfirmed, but real speculation exists. Industry sources have suggested Ghost Rider could appear in Avengers: Doomsday (December 18, 2026) or Avengers: Secret Wars (December 2027) ahead of his standalone film — a pattern Marvel has used before with characters like Wolverine. However, the same reports suggest Nicolas Cage will not be involved in any capacity, meaning any appearance would likely be Gosling's version, not a continuation of the earlier films.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Ghost Rider connected to the Nicolas Cage films? No — those were produced by Sony outside the MCU. This is a new, separate introduction of the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

When was Ghost Rider announced? July 26, 2026, during Marvel's Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con.

Who is directing the new Ghost Rider movie? Shawn Levy, who also directed Deadpool & Wolverine.

Will Eva Mendes appear in the new Ghost Rider film? No confirmation either way — Mendes starred in the 2007 Ghost Rider film opposite Nicolas Cage and is now married to Gosling, but no announcement has addressed whether she'll be involved in this new version.

Looking for something to watch while you wait until 2028?

If supernatural antiheroes are your thing, our movie recommendation quiz can help you find something in that vein tonight, rather than waiting years for the next Marvel release.