Ryan Gosling convinced Shawn Levy to direct the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Ghost Rider movie in just six minutes. Gosling’s pitch instantly gave the project a clear creative direction, Levy stated.
During a discussion, the 58-year-old director revealed the story of his creative partnership with the actor. Their Ghost Rider conversations began while they were working together on a different project. Levy told People, “Literally six minutes into him telling me about it, I’m like, ‘Yeah, let’s go. We’re doing that.’ We walked it into Kevin Feige, and here we are.”
Marvel Studios officially announced the project during its Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con. Gosling will star as the motorcycle-riding hero, marking his first leading role in the MCU.
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The Ghost Rider project follows Gosling and Levy’s work on Star Wars: Starfighter. Gosling stars in the space opera film and also serves as an executive producer, while Levy handles the direction. It is set to release in theaters on May 28, 2027.
The director said Gosling has become a trusted creative partner. He praised the actor for bringing ideas to their projects and helping shape their creative direction. Levy told the publication, “Some actors are great muses, right? The thing about Gosling is he’s a great muse, and he’s inspiring, but he’s also a great partner.”
Levy previously entered the MCU with Deadpool & Wolverine. That experience gives him a connection to Marvel franchise filmmaking before he tackles the supernatural world of Ghost Rider.
Marvel currently lists Ghost Rider for release on July 28, 2028. The project will also be Gosling’s first leading role in the MCU.
Ryan Gosling has previously expressed his interest in portraying the character. His casting also has a personal connection to the earlier franchise, as his partner Eva Mendes appeared in 2007’s Ghost Rider opposite Nicolas Cage.
