What's in this guide
Marvel Studios returned to Hall H for the first time since 2024, and the biggest surprise was a casting nobody had predicted. Ghost Rider is officially happening, with Ryan Gosling in the lead. Here is everything confirmed.
Ghost Rider Release Date
Marvel Studios has dated Ghost Rider for a theatrical release in 2028. No specific date has been given yet, which is normal this far out.
The announcement came during Marvel's San Diego Comic-Con panel on July 26, 2026, with Gosling making a surprise appearance on stage to confirm the casting himself.
Ryan Gosling Is Ghost Rider
Ryan Gosling plays Ghost Rider. The casting is a genuine swing, and one of the few recent Marvel announcements that landed as a surprise rather than a confirmation of an existing rumour.
Gosling has spoken publicly about wanting to join the MCU before, and his recent run in The Fall Guy and Barbie showed a comfort with heightened material that this character needs. The role was previously played by Nicolas Cage in two Sony films in 2007 and 2011, and by Gabriel Luna in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Shawn Levy Directs
Shawn Levy directs, coming off Deadpool & Wolverine, which grossed over $1.3 billion. He also made Free Guy and The Adam Project, both with Ryan Reynolds, and executive produces Stranger Things.
Levy and Gosling have not worked together before. Levy's strength has been tonal control in films that mix comedy and spectacle, which suggests Ghost Rider may not be the straight horror piece some fans have hoped for.
A surprise Hall H appearance, a director fresh off a $1.3 billion hit, and a 2028 date. Ghost Rider is the biggest new addition to Marvel's slate in years.
What Else Marvel Announced
The Ghost Rider reveal headlined a busy panel:
- David Jonsson cast as T'Challa's son in Black Panther 3, directed by Ryan Coogler
- Hayley Atwell confirmed to return as Peggy Carter in Avengers: Doomsday, reuniting with Chris Evans on stage
- A new Spider-Man: Brand New Day clip featuring Spider-Man and the Punisher taking on the Hulk, presented by Jon Bernthal
- Avengers: Endgame returning to theatres on September 25
- Robert Downey Jr. and the Doomsday cast introduced across three stages, with Downey using his Doom voice
Notably absent: Avengers: Secret Wars and the upcoming X-Men film got no coverage, and VisionQuest was mentioned only briefly. Marvel appears to be focusing on projects it can fully confirm.
Where This Fits in Marvel's Slate
A 2028 release puts Ghost Rider after Avengers: Doomsday in December 2026 and Avengers: Secret Wars in December 2027, meaning it lands in whatever the MCU becomes once the Multiverse Saga closes.
There has also been reporting that Marvel is considering further Midnight Sons setup following this announcement, which would place Ghost Rider alongside characters like Blade and Moon Knight. Nothing on that is confirmed.
Where to Watch
Ghost Rider will be a theatrical release in 2028, followed by Disney+ at a later date as with all Marvel films. Production has not begun, and no footage exists yet beyond the Hall H announcement.
What Happens Next
2028 is a long way out and Marvel dates have moved before, so treat this as a firm intention rather than a fixed date. The things worth watching for are a start of production announcement and supporting casting, both of which would suggest the schedule is real.
We will update this post as Marvel confirms more.
Ghost Rider FAQ
When does the Ghost Rider movie come out?
Marvel has dated it for 2028. No specific date has been announced.
Who is playing Ghost Rider?
Ryan Gosling, announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026 with a surprise appearance during Marvel's Hall H panel.
Who is directing Ghost Rider?
Shawn Levy, who directed Deadpool & Wolverine, Free Guy and The Adam Project.
Is this connected to the Nicolas Cage films?
No. Those were Sony productions in 2007 and 2011. This is a Marvel Studios film in the MCU.
Which Ghost Rider is Gosling playing?
Marvel has not specified whether this is Johnny Blaze, Robbie Reyes or another version of the character.
Is Ghost Rider part of the Midnight Sons?
There has been reporting that Marvel is considering further Midnight Sons setup after this announcement, but nothing has been confirmed.
For the rest of the panel, see our Comic-Con 2026 roundup, Black Panther 3 and Avengers: Doomsday.
