Marvel Studios unveiled two upcoming projects on stage at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. The long-rumored casting of Ryan Gosling as 'Ghost Rider' was officially confirmed, and the studio also addressed the long-delayed Black Panther succession issue by introducing David Johnson.

Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, announced the production of the new film 'Ghost Rider' on stage at San Diego Comic-Con on the 25th (local time), introducing Ryan Gosling as the lead. After the logo appeared on screen and the lights came up, Gosling stood on stage wearing a red jacket matching the logo. Gosling described Ghost Rider as 'a character I've wanted to play for a very long time.' While the release is set for 2028, a specific date has not yet been disclosed.

Gosling has long expressed interest in the role. In 2022, he denied rumors that Marvel had approached him for the role of Nova, stating instead that he wanted to play Ghost Rider. Feige later responded publicly, fueling anticipation for the casting. During the promotional tour for 'Project Hail Mary' earlier this year, Gosling mentioned he had held 'several discussions' with Marvel but remained tight-lipped, citing the 'complex situation.

Shawn Levy will direct the film. Gosling invited Levy to the stage, saying, 'If we were really going to make this, there was only one director who could pull it off.' It is reported that the two decided to collaborate on the project while exchanging ideas on the set of 'Star Wars: Starfighter.' Levy previously directed 'Deadpool & Wolverine' for Marvel, and 'Star Wars: Starfighter,' which also features Gosling, is slated for release in May 2027.

Ghost Rider has previously appeared in two live-action films produced by Sony, both starring Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze. After the rights reverted to Marvel, Gabriel Luna played the Robbie Reyes version of Ghost Rider in the TV series 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' However, the status of 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' within the MCU remains ambiguous, making this new film effectively the first Ghost Rider project within the main MCU canon.

Another major title revealed that day was 'Black Panther 3.' Ryan Coogler took the stage with the logo and announced he would return to direct, having helmed both 'Black Panther' and 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.' Letitia Wright and Winston Duke, who play Shuri and M'Baku, respectively, also joined him on stage.

The key focus is the new Black Panther. Coogler began by saying, 'Last time we were together, we introduced the son of the character played by Chadwick Boseman,' before bringing out David Jonsson. The post-credits scene of 'Wakanda Forever' featured T'Challa's son, who was being raised by Nakia in Haiti. 'Black Panther 3' will follow the character as an adult, with Jonsson taking on the role. The film is scheduled for release on December 15, 2028.

Jonsson is a 33-year-old British actor who graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began his career on the West End stage. Primarily known for his television work, he received critical acclaim for his performance as the android Andy in the 2024 film 'Alien: Romulus.'

Marvel's film lineup for this year includes only two titles: 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' on July 31 and 'Avengers: Doomsday' on December 18. The current slate of major confirmed projects extends to 'Avengers: Secret Wars' on December 17, 2027. 'Ghost Rider' and 'Black Panther 3' have been positioned as the cards to fill the post-Secret Wars era. Regardless of how the universe is restructured after 'Secret Wars,' 'Black Panther 3' is set to carry the narrative forward.

Meanwhile, the event featured a trailer for 'Avengers: Endgame Encore' and exclusive footage from 'Avengers: Doomsday.' 'Avengers: Endgame Encore' is a version of the original 'Avengers: Endgame' that includes a new intro and additional content. Re-releasing on September 25, the film is expected to serve as a bridge directly leading into 'Doomsday.' A new poster for 'Avengers: Doomsday' featuring the design of Doom's full-body armor was also unveiled.