Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige revealed at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 that actor Ryan Gosling has been cast as Ghost Rider in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The new film, helmed by "Deadpool & Wolverine" director Shawn Levy, is slated for a 2028 release.
This marks the return of the Spirit of Vengeance to the big screen, a character whose last cinematic outing was the 2011 film "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance." Feige's announcement did not specify which version of Ghost Rider Gosling will portray, leaving room for speculation within the character's extensive comic book history.
The Possibilities for Gosling's Ghost Rider
The most prominent and widely recognized Ghost Rider is Johnny Blaze. While not the first to bear the mantle—that honor belongs to Carter Slade, later renamed the Phantom Rider—Blaze headlined an 80-issue solo comic series in the 1970s and has remained a consistent presence in Marvel comics. His origin story typically involves a motorcycle stuntman who makes a pact with Satan (or Mephisto) to save his mentor, only to become bonded with a Spirit of Vengeance. Blaze was the version depicted in the Nicolas Cage films and has appeared in numerous Marvel video games.
Another significant candidate is Daniel "Danny" Ketch. Debuting in 1990, Ketch became the Ghost Rider after a supernatural encounter in a graveyard, seeking vengeance for his sister Barbara's death. Danny's tenure introduced key elements to the Ghost Rider mythology, including the Penance Stare and notable adversaries like Blackout and Deathwatch. The comics later revealed Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch to be half-brothers. Their collaboration in the "Ghost Rider and Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance" comic series and their roles as founding members of the supernatural team Midnight Sons make Danny Ketch a strong contender for the MCU, potentially positioning Gosling's Blaze as a mentor to a younger Ketch.
Addressing the Existing MCU Ghost Rider
The MCU has previously featured a Ghost Rider in the form of Robbie Reyes, portrayed by Gabriel Luna on "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." This iteration saw Johnny Blaze briefly appear and pass the Spirit of Vengeance to Reyes. While "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." has largely been treated as separate from the main MCU continuity, the potential for a timeline reset with "Secret Wars" could allow Marvel Studios to reintroduce or retcon existing lore. The inclusion of Robbie Reyes is particularly notable given his status as one of Marvel's few Latino superheroes.
A less likely, but still noteworthy, variant is Cosmic Ghost Rider. This character is a version of Frank Castle (The Punisher) who gained cosmic powers after a deal with Mephisto and a subsequent encounter with Galactus. While his cosmic origins and unique mission make him a visually striking character, he is considered a long shot for the lead role in an upcoming film.
The casting of Ryan Gosling as Ghost Rider signals a significant development for the MCU's supernatural corner, potentially paving the way for future projects like a "Midnight Sons" film, which is reportedly in development and may feature Mahershala Ali's Blade.