Ryan Gosling has been announced as the latest A-lister to helm a Marvel Cinematic Universe film as the lead in a new Ghost Rider movie. The Canadian actor, who was born in London, Ontario, becomes one of the most prominent Canadian actors to lead a Marvel franchise.
A Canadian leading the MCU
Gosling, 45, attended San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, where the surprise announcement was made. He said the character was one he had "wanted to play for a very long time", with the movie expected to be released in 2028.
It will be the third cinematic excursion for the fiery skull-faced motorcyclist, following the 2007 film 'Ghost Rider' starring Nicholas Cage and its sequel, 2011's "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance".
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said he had often been asked by fans when Gosling would join the Marvel universe. The admission was enough to pique the audience's curiosity, as the lights then dimmed and Gosling himself came out on stage to roars of approval.
Gosling said: "Wow, is this really happening?"
Gosling has spoken about his interest in playing Ghost Rider during an appearance on Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast in March.
From Deadpool to Ghost Rider
Shawn Levy is primed to direct the movie, having previously directed 2024's 'Deadpool & Wolverine' as well as next year's upcoming 'Star Wars: Starfighter' which also starred Gosling. Levy, also Canadian, has directed several major productions that filmed in Toronto and Vancouver. Marvel productions frequently shoot in Canada, employing thousands of local crew members.
Levy told the crowd that he and Gosling spent a lot of free time on set "daydreaming" about a Ghost Rider film and sharing ideas. He added: "As Ryan started talking about his vision for this character, we started riffing, and I finally said, 'bro, let's ride', so guys, we'll see you in 2028."
Ghost Rider is an original Marvel comic book character created by writers Roy Thomas, Gary Friedrich and Mike Ploog in 1972. In the comic, the flaming skull-headed anti-hero is the alternative identity of motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze. The character's origins begin when Johnny makes a deal with the sinister Mephisto in order to spare his surrogate father, but becomes bound with Zarathos, the spirit of vengeance.