Marvel Studios unveiled key updates for its cinematic universe during its Comic-Con International presentation on Saturday, announcing David Jonsson as the new Black Panther and revealing Ryan Gosling’s casting as Ghost Rider. Both characters will appear in films slated for release in 2028.
Jonsson, 32, known for roles in series such as “Industry” and “Alien: Romulus,” took the stage alongside “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler, as well as Letitia Wright and Winston Duke. He will portray the son of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, the original Black Panther, in “Black Panther III,” scheduled to premiere on December 15, 2028. Boseman passed away in 2020, and the 2022 sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” introduced T’Challa’s son, igniting speculation about who would succeed the iconic role. Jonsson expressed gratitude for joining the franchise but remained reserved about details, stating he wanted to let the film speak for itself.
Ryan Gosling’s casting as Ghost Rider marks the character’s formal entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Gosling will work again with director Shawn Levy, who referenced his prior Hall H appearance promoting “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The Ghost Rider character, previously adapted into standalone films starring Nicolas Cage in 2007 and 2012, had not yet appeared in the MCU following rights reversion to Marvel. Gosling acknowledged his longstanding interest in the role, and his connection to the franchise was underscored by the fact that his longtime partner, Eva Mendes, starred in Cage’s original “Ghost Rider” film.
Additional announcements included confirmation that the 2019 blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame,” directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, will return to theaters on September 25 with new footage connecting it to the forthcoming “Avengers: Doomsday,” slated for December 18. A trailer shown at the panel highlighted Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Victor Von Doom, revealing new narrative ties to Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby). The footage depicted Storm describing Doom as a broken individual whose losses shaped his actions, setting up the complex relationship among the characters.
The “Avengers: Doomsday” panel featured an ensemble cast including Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Simu Liu, Anthony Mackie, and Paul Rudd, among others. A surprise appearance by Ryan Reynolds, clad in a gray Deadpool costume, injected humor into the event. Reynolds’ interactions with the cast brought lighthearted moments amid the announcements.
Marvel faces ongoing challenges with audience engagement following a surge of Disney+ series and mixed critical reception for recent films like “Captain America: Brave New World.” Nonetheless, anticipation remains high as “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” released by Sony in coordination with Marvel, is expected to lead the summer box office following its July 31 debut, with ticket pre-sales also robust for “Avengers: Doomsday.”
The panel underscored Marvel’s efforts to reinvigorate its brand and set the stage for the next chapter of its expansive cinematic universe.