Ryan Gosling to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider

Actor Ryan Gosling will join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as a character in a new Ghost Rider movie, the company has announced.

Speaking at a surprise announcement at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, Gosling said it’s a character he’s “wanted to play for a long time.”

The film is set to release in 2028, and will be the third installment about the motorcycle-riding anti-hero.

It was followed by the 2007 film of the same name and starring Nicolas Cage, and the 2011 sequel Ghost Rider: Ghost of Vengeance.

Before his big reveal on stage at San Diego Comic Con, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige was asked several times when Gosling would join the MCU.

Soon the lights went out. On their return, the actor appeared on stage to the cheers of screaming fans.

Speaking about the role, Gosling said, “Wow, is this really happening?”

He has previously spoken about his desire to take on the role. Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast appeared in March, where he confirmed he was in talks with Marvel.

Ghost Rider is the anti-hero persona of motorcycle racer Johnny Blaze.

The character’s story begins with Zarathustra making a deal with the evil Mephisto to save his surrogate father when he is bound by a vengeful spirit that gives him superpowers.

The film will be directed by Sean Levy, with Gosling described as the project’s “sole” director.

Levy previously directed Deadpool & Wolverine in the MCU, and is currently working with Gosling on Star Wars: Starfighter, which is set for release next year.

Levy told the crowd that he and Gosling spent a lot of time daydreaming and exchanging ideas about Ghost Rider.

The director said: “When Ryan started talking about his vision for this character, we started scratching and I finally said, ‘Brother, let’s get on board.’ So guys, we’ll see you in 2028.”