Ryan Gosling to star in Marvel's 'Ghost Rider' movie
Washington DC, July 26
Hollywood star Ryan Gosling is officially joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Marvel Studios announcing that he will headline a standalone 'Ghost Rider' film, directed by Shawn Levy, according to Variety.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige unveiled the project during the studio's Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, confirming that the film is slated for release in 2028.
Levy, who most recently directed Marvel's blockbuster 'Deadpool & Wolverine', took the stage alongside Gosling and Feige and reflected on his previous Comic-Con appearance.
"I'm having the greatest flashback vibes here, because I was here two years ago when we showed 'Deadpool & Wolverine.' I'll never forget that night, because I was introduced to the greatest fans," Levy said, according to Variety.
Praising Gosling, the filmmaker added, "Gosling is the absolute shit. I say that with tremendous respect. We spent a lot of time last year making 'Starfighter,' and the opportunity as Ryan started talking about this character, I was like, 'Bro, let's ride.' We'll see you in 2028!"
Levy and Gosling recently collaborated on the upcoming 'Star Wars: Starfighter', which Levy directed and Gosling stars in. The film is scheduled to hit theatres on May 28, 2027.
With the announcement, Gosling becomes the latest actor to portray Ghost Rider, also known as the Spirit of Vengeance, on screen. Nicolas Cage previously played Johnny Blaze in Sony Pictures' 'Ghost Rider' (2007) and its 2011 sequel 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance'. Gabriel Luna later portrayed the Robbie Reyes version of the character in Marvel's television series 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D'. A planned standalone Hulu series featuring Luna was ultimately cancelled in 2019, according to Variety.
In Marvel Comics, Johnny Blaze becomes Ghost Rider after making a deal with the devil Mephisto in an attempt to save his father. Although the bargain cures his father's cancer, he dies in a stunt accident, leaving Blaze bonded to the supernatural Spirit of Vengeance. The character possesses superhuman strength, wields fiery chains and is known for the "Penance Stare," which forces victims to relive the pain they have inflicted on others.
The Ghost Rider film marks another major franchise for Gosling, who is currently enjoying a successful year following his role in 'Project Hail Mary' and is also set to enter the 'Star Wars' universe with 'Star Wars: Starfighter' in 2027, according to Variety.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm honestly tired of Hollywood recycling the same characters. Ghost Rider already had two movies and a TV series. Can't they come up with something original instead of milking every Marvel property dry? Sorry, but this is a pass for me. 🙄
Shawn Levy directing? That's what excites me most! After 'Deadpool & Wolverine', the guy knows how to balance humor and action. Pairing him with Gosling's charisma - this could be Marvel's next big hit. The Penance Stare in IMAX will be insane! 🤯
I wish they'd focus on bringing Indian superheroes to screen instead. We have such rich mythology - why not a proper 'Shakti' or 'Nagraj' film? But if we're stuck with Marvel, at least Gosling is a solid pick. Hope they keep the flaming skull practical effects minimal CGI.
🫨 Wait, 2028? That's 4 years away! Marvel needs to sort out their release schedule - we're getting too many 'Phase 5' delays. Also, after the recent MCU flops, I'm skeptical. But Gosling + Ghost Rider = massive potential. Just please don't make it another 'Multiverse of Madness' mess.
As a die-hard Ghost Rider comic fan, I'm cautiously optimistic. The Robbie Reyes version deserved better than that cancelled Hulu show. Johnny Blaze's origin story - making a deal with the devil to save his father - is pure Greek tragedy. If they stay true to
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