After months of speculation, Ryan Gosling has officially been cast as Marvel’s next Ghost Rider, with the film scheduled for release in 2028. 

The announcement drew a rapturous response from fans during Marvel Studios’ Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday (25 July), reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The three-time Oscar nominee will reunite with director Shawn Levy and screenwriter Jonathan Tropper following their collaboration on “Star Wars: Starfighter,” slated for release on 28 May 2027.

Levy will direct the superhero film, while Tropper is writing the screenplay. 

The character was previously portrayed on the big screen by Nicolas Cage, who starred in “Ghost Rider” (2007) and “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” (2011). Together, the two films grossed more than $361 million worldwide.

Ghost Rider follows Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stunt performer who sells his soul and transforms into a supernatural spirit of vengeance. 

There has been no indication whether Eva Mendes, Gosling’s partner, who appeared as Roxanne Simpson in the 2007 film, will reprise her role. 

Gosling was also among the major stars at last year’s San Diego Comic-Con to promote “Project Hail Mary,” directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. 

The sci-fi adaptation was released in March and has earned more than $684 million worldwide. 

The actor had previously been attached to a secret project from Oscar-winning filmmaking duo Daniels at Universal Pictures after completing “Star Wars: Starfighter.” 

However, he reportedly withdrew because of scheduling conflicts, with his commitment to Ghost Rider believed to be the reason.