The official announcement of Ryan Gosling joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider was one of the main events of the recent San Diego Comic-Con. Fans had been predicting the actor for this role for several years, and Gosling himself openly spoke about his desire to play the anti-hero. Now Kevin Feige has explained why the collaboration only happened now:
"He was busy and kept delivering one hit after another. We knew we wanted to work with him: if he wanted to join, we'd be all for it."
In recent years, Gosling has starred in "Barbie," "The Fall Guy," and "Project Hail Mary," and then landed the lead role in "Star Wars: Starfighter." The latter is being directed by Shawn Levy, who previously directed "Deadpool & Wolverine" for Marvel.
While working together, Gosling and Levy formed their own vision for Ghost Rider, and then presented their concept to Marvel Studios management:
"Only recently did he come to us with his idea, his vision, and Shawn Levy. Then we said, 'Let's do it. Now is the time.' He wants it himself, he's ready and determined to make this film."
Marvel Studios has not yet revealed which version of Ghost Rider Gosling will play. The film is expected to premiere in 2028.