Marvel Studios used its platform at Comic-Con International to reveal exciting news. David Jonsson has been announced as the new Black Panther, playing the son of T’Challa, previously portrayed by Chadwick Boseman. Ryan Gosling is set to take on the role of Ghost Rider. Both movies are slated for release in 2028.
Jonsson joined the stage with the Oscar-winning ‘Black Panther’ franchise director, Ryan Coogler. The event was also attended by Letitia Wright and Winston Duke. Jonsson, grinning widely, expressed his gratitude: “Thank you to this family that I am honored and blessed to be part of. I don’t want to say too much, as I want the screen to speak for itself.” Jonsson is recognized for his roles in “Industry,” “The Long Walk,” and “Alien: Romulus.” After Boseman’s passing in 2020, fans speculated on who would take up Black Panther’s mantle after “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” revealed T’Challa’s offspring. The original “Black Panther” film made history in 2018 by earning an Oscar nomination for Best Picture and bringing in over $1.3 billion globally. Its sequel grossed $850 million.
Ryan Gosling Joins the Marvel Universe
Gosling is set to work again with “Star Wars: Starfighter” director Shawn Levy on “Ghost Rider.” During Comic-Con, Levy reminisced about his first appearance in Hall H while promoting “Deadpool & Wolverine,” acknowledging the dedication of Marvel fans. Gosling greeted Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and shared his long-standing desire to portray Ghost Rider. Eva Mendes, Gosling’s long-time partner, co-starred in the 2007 original standalone film “Ghost Rider” with Nicolas Cage. Marvel now holds the character’s rights, aiming to integrate him into their cinematic universe.
Avengers: Doomsday Insights
Kevin Feige announced the re-release of 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame” on September 25, featuring new footage connecting it to “Avengers: Doomsday.” This upcoming film is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, scheduled for release on December 18. A trailer showcased Victor Von Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr., having a past connection with Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby). In the trailer, Storm mentioned Doom’s drastic transformation due to losing everything he loved. Reed Richards later confronted Doom about the chaos surrounding them. Fans have been intrigued by the relationship between the characters, especially following a post-credits scene in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” involving Doom and the Richards family.
Star Ensemble Displays Enthusiasm
The “Doomsday” panel featured stars like Wright, Duke, Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Simu Liu, Danny Ramirez, Anthony Mackie, James Marsden, Kelsey Grammer, Paul Rudd, Rebecca Romijn, David Harbour, Lewis Pullman, and Tenoch Huerta. Ryan Reynolds made a dramatic entrance in a new gray Deadpool costume. In a humorous exchange, Reynolds quipped to Paul Rudd about a scene involving a crying Thor, tying it to his soccer team’s support.
Despite declining interest in superhero films and some recent disappointments, Marvel Studios is hopeful for a revitalization. With positive ticket presales for “Doomsday” and the anticipated success of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” Marvel aims to reinvigorate its brand with these upcoming blockbusters.