Ryan Gosling’s arrival as Ghost Rider could open the door to one of Marvel’s darkest and most supernatural storylines yet. While Marvel has not revealed the full plot, Gosling’s version of the Spirit of Vengeance could introduce a new corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) filled with demons, magic, hellish realms and ancient forces beyond the Avengers’ world.
The film is expected in 2028, with Shawn Levy directing and Jonathan Tropper writing the script.
The duo are reuniting with Gosling after their upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter collaboration, as Marvel continues expanding beyond traditional superhero stories.
At the heart of Ghost Rider’s mythology is Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stunt performer who makes a deal with the devil to save someone he loves.
The bargain transforms him into the Ghost Rider — a supernatural being with a flaming skull, extraordinary strength and the power to punish evil.
Unlike typical Marvel heroes, Ghost Rider’s battles involve ancient curses, demonic forces and moral struggles. His story explores guilt, sacrifice, redemption and the consequences of impossible choices.
The character first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1972, created by writer Gary Friedrich and artists Mike Ploog and Roy Thomas. Johnny Blaze became the most famous Ghost Rider, though Marvel later introduced other versions, including Danny Ketch, Robbie Reyes and Cosmic Ghost Rider.
Gosling’s portrayal could decide which version Marvel brings to the MCU. The studio may follow Johnny Blaze’s classic story or combine elements from different comic eras.
Nicolas Cage previously played the character in Ghost Rider (2007) and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011), which together earned more than $361 million worldwide.
The film could connect with Marvel’s growing supernatural universe, which already includes Doctor Strange, Wanda Maximoff, Moon Knight and Blade.
Ghost Rider could also introduce Mephisto, the devil-like figure from Marvel Comics who plays a key role in Blaze’s origin.
The character may also help build towards a Midnight Sons storyline, a supernatural team featuring Ghost Rider, Doctor Strange, Blade, Moon Knight, Morbius and Elsa Bloodstone.
Another possibility is a multiverse connection, as Marvel comics feature different versions of Ghost Rider, including Cosmic Ghost Rider, a future version of Frank Castle who gains Ghost Rider powers.
However, Gosling’s film may return to Ghost Rider’s horror roots, presenting him as a tragic figure battling a supernatural curse. His casting also raises speculation about Eva Mendes, who played Roxanne Simpson in the 2007 film.
With Ghost Rider, Marvel could expand into a darker world of demons, curses and supernatural warfare, creating a new direction for the MCU.
