Ryan Gosling has officially been cast as the next Ghost Rider, joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a standalone film announced during Marvel Studios’ Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige introduced Gosling on stage, confirming that the Oscar-nominated actor will take on the role of Johnny Blaze, the iconic stunt motorcyclist who becomes the supernatural antihero known as Ghost Rider.
“As you know, this is a character I’ve wanted to play for a long time,” Gosling told the audience after the announcement, receiving a standing ovation from fans.
The character was previously portrayed by Nicolas Cage, who starred in Ghost Rider (2007) and returned for Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011). The original film also featured Eva Mendes, Gosling’s longtime partner, as Roxanne Simpson.
Marvel has not yet announced a release date for the standalone film, but the casting marks Ghost Rider’s official debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and expands the franchise’s supernatural lineup.
