Marvel Studios Makes It Official: Ryan Gosling Is Ghost Rider

After years of fevered fan casting, relentless rumours and mounting speculation, Marvel Studios finally confirmed at San Diego Comic-Con, that Ryan Gosling is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider.

The Spirit of Vengeance is set to roar onto the big screen in 2028, with Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy behind the camera. 

The reveal ignited Hall H, triggering the kind of eruption usually reserved for once-in-a-generation Comic-Con moments. 

Gosling himself took to the stage, flashing his trademark grin as the crowd chanted his name.

“This is a character I’ve wanted to play for a long time.”

The casting feels both inevitable and long overdue. Gosling has spoken openly about wanting to play Ghost Rider, and his blend of brooding charisma and quiet intensity makes him a natural fit for Johnny Blaze, the fearless stuntman who sells his soul and becomes the flaming-skulled Spirit of Vengeance. Levy, fresh from directing one of Marvel’s biggest box-office successes and already collaborating with Gosling on Star Wars: Starfighter, seems an equally inspired choice to bring Blaze’s supernatural world to life.

The announcement also brings an end to Ghost Rider’s long and winding journey on screen. Nicolas Cage portrayed Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider (2007) and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011), two films that, while never part of the MCU, have earned a loyal cult following. 

Gabriel Luna later introduced Robbie Reyes in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., with the series even hinting that Johnny Blaze existed somewhere in that universe. A planned standalone Ghost Rider television series was ultimately shelved, leaving fans waiting for the character’s true Marvel Studios debut.

There’s another fun connection, too. Gosling’s longtime partner, Eva Mendes, played Roxanne Simpson opposite Nicolas Cage in the original Ghost Rider, creating an unexpected link between the franchise’s past and its future.

Now, under the Marvel Studios banner, Ghost Rider is finally getting the cinematic treatment fans have been demanding for years. With Gosling bringing Blaze’s tortured humanity to the role and Levy steering the project, expectations couldn’t be much higher.

Trailer-Barbie

Margot Robbie brings the iconic Barbie doll to life in the official trailer for Warner Bros.’ “Barbie”. The Oscar-nominated actress leads a star-studded cast that includes Ryan Gosling as Barbie’s love interest, Ken. But they’re not the only versions of the famous toy in the film – singer Dua Lipa appears as a mermaid Barbie, alongside upcoming Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa-alongside many other actors playing different iterations of the beloved doll.

While the first trailer teased a nod to Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”, it didn’t reveal much about the plot or characters. However, we now know that Barbie and Ken find themselves in the real world, grappling with the challenges of being more than just plastic toys. The film promises to explore the complexities of their new reality, while still delivering the fun and glamour that Barbie is known for.

“Barbie” will make open in cinemas on July 21st. Watch the full trailer below.

Film review- Blade Runner 2049

“Blade Runner 2049” is a science fiction masterpiece that follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Ridley Scott’s 1982 cult classic “Blade Runner.” Denis Villeneuve directs this film with a steady hand, and he brings an evocative vision to the screen that harkens back to Scott’s original work. While it may not have been a financial success at the box office, “2049” is a cinematic gem that will undoubtedly be reevaluated by audiences over time.

Ryan Gosling stars as K, a Blade Runner tasked with hunting down rogue replicants in a dystopian Los Angeles. Gosling’s subtle and nuanced performance is perfectly suited to his character’s emotional journey. K’s discovery of a child born from replicants sets in motion a series of events that lead him on a path of self-discovery and realisation.

The film is visually stunning, thanks to the masterful work of cinematographer Roger Deakins and production designer Dennis Gassner. The world of “2049” is a dark and foreboding place, but it is also one of great beauty and wonder. Deakins elegantly captures this world, creating a moody and immersive experience for the audience.

“2049” asks the same timeless question as its predecessor: what does it mean to be human? This theme runs through the film, and it is explored with a depth and complexity that is rarely seen in science fiction. The film’s deliberate pace and methodically structured narrative may not be to everyone’s taste, but those who give themselves over to the film’s world and themes will be rewarded with a truly exceptional cinematic experience.

In the end, “Blade Runner 2049” is a triumph of science fiction filmmaking. It takes risks, has visual ingenuity, and offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Just like the original “Blade Runner,” it may take time for audiences to fully appreciate the film’s brilliance. But there is no doubt that “2049” is a worthy successor to one of the greatest science fiction films of all time.