The official revelation that Ryan Gosling had signed on to lead Ghost Rider was one of the highlights of the highlights of Marvel Studios 2026 Hall H presentation at SDCC. Gosling–who had long been associated with the role–will reteam with Star Wars: Starfighter director Shawn Levy for the 2028 film, which will join Black Panther III and, likely, X-Men, on the slate.

While details about the film were entirely absent from the presentation, the first rumblings about the project have surfaced via Jeff “The In” Sneider.

Johnny Blaze

One of the most important pieces of information left out of the Hall H Panel reveal was which version of the Rider Gosling would be portraying. Following the announcement, Marvel Studios One Above All Kevin Feige said he was “going to let Ryan reveal what he wants to reveal, when he wants to reveal it,” leaving fans to speculate about whether Gosling was set to play Johnny Blaze or Danny Ketch.

According to Sneider, Gosling will play Blaze, who he claims will be the only Rider in the film.

Sneider also echoed previous reports that indicated Gosling’s first MCU appearance will be in 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars, though no details were shared on the gravity of his role in what’s sure to be a massive ensemble film.

Location, Location, Location

In the pages of Marvel Comics, Johnny Blaze spends a significant portion of his adventures traveling cross-country through deserts, small towns, and remote highways. Whether he’s embracing or fleeing his curse, part of bringing the character to the big screen will be providing beautiful scenery for him to ride his motorcycle.

According to Sneider, Marvel plans to film on location in parts of California, Nevada and Oregon, all of which provide just the types of views necessary to allow Blaze to search for meaning on the open road.

Supporting Cast

While Sneider’s sources told him that production on Ghost Rider “is further down the list” than X-Men and Black Panther III, the latter of which is the only 2028 film with a release date, and that the project is not “actively casting.” However, the “The In” did share a pair of rumors about who may be part of the supporting cast.

To fans familiar with Johnny Blaze, the first star rumored to be joining Gosling in the cast is no surprise. According to Sneider, Sacha Baron Cohen, who first appeared as Mephisto in Marvel Television’s Ironheart, will reprise the role of the Hell Lord in Ghost Rider, though not as the main villain.

Additionally, Sneider reported that Rosamund Pike is on Marvel’s radar to portray Blaze’s love interest in the film. While the character has had plenty of love interests over the decades, Roxanne Simpson was his childhood sweetheart and true love.

With the film likely to release in either May or July 2028, it shouldn’t be too long before the studio looks to begin casting which means this is just the first in what’s sure to be an entertaining ride through the rumor cycle.

Source: Jeff Sneider