Ryan Gosling joins Marvel's Ghost Rider, Black Panther 3 confirmed: All you need to know about the announcements from San Diego Comic-Con 2026

Marvel Studios made several major announcements during its Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, giving fans a first look at the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The biggest reveals included Ryan Gosling joining the franchise as Ghost Rider and the official confirmation of Black Panther 3. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige unveiled the upcoming projects, with filmmakers and cast members taking the stage to share new details about the highly anticipated films.

The announcements also confirmed release dates, returning directors and new cast members, setting the stage for Marvel's theatrical slate through 2028.

Ryan Gosling to headline Marvel's Ghost Rider

One of the biggest surprises from the event was the announcement that Ryan Gosling will play Ghost Rider in a standalone Marvel Studios film. The movie will be directed by Shawn Levy and is scheduled to release in 2028.


The project reunites Gosling and Levy after their collaboration on Star Wars: Starfighter, which is set to arrive in theatres in May 2027. During the Hall H panel, Levy looked back on his previous Comic-Con appearance for Deadpool & Wolverine and said returning to the same stage felt special because of the enthusiastic fans.

Praising Gosling, Levy said working with the actor on Starfighter made him even more excited about bringing Ghost Rider to life. He added that when Gosling started discussing the Marvel character, he immediately wanted to make the film happen and promised fans they would see the result in 2028.

Gosling will become only the second actor to portray Ghost Rider in a live-action film. Nicolas Cage previously played Johnny Blaze in 2007's Ghost Rider and returned for the 2011 sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.

Ghost Rider remains one of Marvel's most popular supernatural heroes. In the comics, motorcycle stuntman Johnny Blaze makes a deal with Mephisto to save his father's life, but the bargain transforms him into the Spirit of Vengeance.

After Marvel Studios regained the character's rights, Ghost Rider was reintroduced through the television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., where Gabriel Luna portrayed Robbie Reyes. A planned solo series featuring Luna was later cancelled before production.

Black Panther 3 officially announced

Marvel also confirmed that director Ryan Coogler will return to helm Black Panther 3. The film is set for an exclusive theatrical release on December 15, 2028.

Ryan Coogler was joined on stage by Letitia Wright and Winston Duke, who confirmed they will reprise their roles as Shuri and M'Baku. The filmmaker also introduced actor David Jonsson as the franchise's new Black Panther.

Speaking at the event, Coogler revealed, "The last time we got to make a movie, we introduced a character who is the son of the character that the great Chadwick Boseman played, our T’Challa, in that film. And today, I want to tell you that in this next film, he grows up [and] he comes of age."

Jonsson received a standing ovation from the audience after stepping onto the stage. Addressing fans, he expressed his gratitude to Coogler, Kevin Feige and the entire Marvel family for welcoming him. Rather than revealing details about the character, the actor said he would let his performance speak for itself when the film reaches theatres.

Marvel maps out its future

The Hall H presentation featured Marvel Studios' plans to expand both its supernatural and Wakandan storylines over the next few years.

Ryan Gosling's casting marks one of the studio's biggest additions in recent years, bringing an Academy Award-nominated actor into the Marvel Cinematic Universe through one of its most iconic supernatural characters. Meanwhile, Black Panther 3 will continue the legacy of one of Marvel's most celebrated franchises while introducing a new generation of Wakandan heroes.

With Shawn Levy directing Ghost Rider and Ryan Coogler returning for Black Panther 3, Marvel has placed two of its biggest upcoming films in the hands of filmmakers who have already delivered major successes for the studio. The announcements received one of the loudest reactions at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, giving fans plenty to look forward to as the MCU prepares for its next phase.