Ryan Gosling is now joining a brand new franchise, arguably one of the biggest on the planet in this day and age – the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
At San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend, it was announced the 45-year-old Oscar nominee will be leading a brand new reboot of the franchise's legendary superhero Ghost Rider as the titular flaming biker.
Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige announced the casting decision on the Hall H stage on Saturday, July 28, revealing the new Ghost Rider film will be released in 2028, with Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy attached to direct.
© Getty ImagesWhat has Ryan said about joining the MCU?
"Wow, is this really happening?" the Barbie star shared with the crowd when he was brought out on stage. "As you know, this is a character I've wanted to play for a very long time."
While teasing Shawn's involvement, he noted that they spent lots of time discussing his involvement with the character while working together on Star Wars: Starfighter, Ryan's introduction to the Star Wars franchise that is set to release in 2027.
"As Ryan started talking about his vision for this character, we started riffing. And I finally said, 'Bro, let's ride'," Shawn quipped. "So guys, we'll see you in 2028."
© Getty ImagesHow does Ryan's MCU turn link him with Eva Mendes?
As with lots of projects the Project Hail Mary star has taken on over the past decade, this latest role has a tie of sorts to his longtime partner Eva Mendes.
Ryan and Eva, 52, have been together since 2011, when they met on the set of The Place Beyond the Pines. Together, they share daughters Esmeralda and Amada. Eva effectively retired from acting after starring in Ryan's 2014 directorial debut Lost River.
© Getty ImagesIn 2007, the Ghost Rider franchise received its very first cinematic adaptation with Nicolas Cage in the title role. And his co-lead and romantic interest, Roxanne Simpson, was played by none other than Eva herself.
© Getty ImagesEva at SDCC exactly 20 years before Ryan!
Despite receiving negative reviews, Ghost Rider (2007) was a commercial success, grossing nearly $230 million worldwide. A sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, was released in 2012, with Nicolas reprising his role. However, Eva did not return for the sequel, which also received negative reviews and underperformed at the box office.
© Getty ImagesWhat did Shawn Levy offer on the new Ghost Rider?
Speaking with the enraptured crowd at Hall H, the director shared: "I’m having the greatest flashback vibes here, because I was here two years ago when we showed 'Deadpool & Wolverine'."
2024's Deadpool & Wolverine, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, ended up as one of the MCU's most successful cinematic outings, passing the $1 billion mark in box office grosses and receiving near acclaim.
"I'll never forget that night, because I was introduced to the greatest fans," Shawn continued, saying of his new film lead: "Gosling is the absolute [expletive]. I say that with tremendous respect."
