Marvel Studios made a triumphant return to San Diego Comic-Con's Hall H, offering attendees a substantial look into the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The panel announcements, including a new Ghost Rider movie starring Ryan Gosling and Black Panther III featuring David Jonsson as T'Challa's son, have generated significant discussion and left fans pondering several key mysteries.
The Identity of Gosling's Ghost Rider
A major reveal was that Ryan Gosling will star in a Ghost Rider film set for a 2028 release, directed by Shawn Levy. However, the specific Ghost Rider character Gosling will portray remains unconfirmed. The most prominent possibilities include Johnny Blaze, the original comic book Ghost Rider, who had a brief, continuity-questionable appearance in "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.", or his brother, Danny Ketch, who gained popularity in the 1990s comics. More esoteric options like the Western-era Phantom Rider or the cosmic variant of Frank Castle are also on the table, though the latter could complicate potential storylines involving Jon Bernthal's Punisher.
Doctor Doom's Tragic Past
Exclusive footage for "Avengers: Doomsday" offered insights into Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, suggesting a past far removed from his current villainous persona. Narration from Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm indicated that Victor was once kind and caring, hinting at a significant tragedy that led to his downfall. The "Avengers: Doomsday" poster, depicting Doom before a mural of a planet with a woman and child, suggests his family may have been the catalyst for his descent. This revelation raises questions about his motivations, including whether his actions are driven by a desire to reunite with them or even resurrect them, potentially shaping his role in the creation of Battleworld for "Avengers: Secret Wars."
Deadpool's Role in "Avengers: Doomsday"
Ryan Reynolds made a surprise appearance at the panel, clad in a gray "Uncanny X-Force"-inspired Deadpool costume. While his casting in "Avengers: Doomsday" was not explicitly confirmed, his presence strongly suggests his involvement. The cryptic scene from "Deadpool & Wolverine" showing Thor mourning Deadpool's apparent death was also highlighted. This raises questions about how Deadpool, known for his unconventional methods, will fit into the massive ensemble cast of "Avengers: Doomsday." His involvement could tie into the multiversal stakes of the upcoming Incursions, and raises the possibility of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine also appearing.
The Age of T'Challa's Son
The panel concluded with the announcement that Ryan Coogler will return to direct "Black Panther III," slated for December 2028, with Letitia Wright and Winston Duke reprising their roles. The casting of David Jonsson as an adult version of T'Challa's son, Toussaint, however, presented a significant chronological conundrum. Toussaint was last seen as a young child in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" (2022), leaving a six-year gap for him to mature into an adult. This discrepancy is theorized to be a result of the reality-altering events of "Avengers: Secret Wars," potentially involving the merging of timelines or alternate universes. This could signal a shift in the franchise's focus, moving towards Toussaint as the central figure, potentially taking on the mantle of the Black Panther and even challenging for the throne of Wakanda.