Ryan Gosling has been confirmed to play Ghost Rider in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and fans have one wish for the upcoming standalone film due to release in 202814:54, 26 Jul 2026Ryan Gosling is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and fans have united behind one particular demand for his highly anticipated film debut. The 45-year-old actor continues his winning streak this year, having recently starred in one of 2026's biggest box office hits, Project Hail Mary.‌Now he's been confirmed as the latest addition to Marvel's stellar ensemble, taking on the iconic role of Ghost Rider. Ryan's casting as the flame-skulled motorcyclist was unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday (25th July) during Marvel Studios' Hall H presentation, where it was also revealed that his first outing will be in the 2028 standalone feature Ghost Rider, helmed by director Shawn Levy.‌Marvel subsequently announced the news across their social media channels, prompting fans to share their reactions to the casting choice and their expectations for the forthcoming film.‌Ghost Rider enthusiasts were particularly vocal about one specific request - a cameo from a certain actor.Beneath Marvel's announcement on X, numerous fans expressed disappointment that Gosling's casting appeared to rule out Nicolas Cage, who brought Ghost Rider to life in the 2007 film and its 2012 follow-up, from reprising the role.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌But many suggested they'd be satisfied with a cameo from Cage in the 2028 release, which would serve as a tribute to his portrayal of the character nearly 20 years earlier.When one viewer remarked: "Without Nic Cage?", another replied: "I would bet he makes a cameo."Someone else also suggested: "Could be a fire cameo in the future!"‌One fan expressed their disappointment at not seeing Cage reprise the role, stating: "I just told my boyfriend that NO ONE will ever top Nicolas Cage as Ghost Rider ... ever."Nevertheless, numerous fans encouraged others to welcome Gosling as the new Ghost Rider, pointing out that Cage is now "too old" for the part, particularly if Marvel intends to produce multiple films. What's more, Cage already features in the MCU, providing the voice for Spider-Man Noir in the animated Spider-Man film series.It's understood that Gosling's interpretation of Ghost Rider will feature him playing the original incarnation of the superhero, whose actual identity is Johnny Blaze.Article continues belowWithin the Marvel comics, the stunt motorcyclist makes a pact to surrender his soul to "Satan" - later discovered to be an arch-demon called Mephisto - in order to save his foster father's life. Under the terms of this agreement, Blaze becomes engulfed in hellfire whenever evil is present, transforming his head into a flaming skull.The forthcoming Ghost Rider film will mark the character's debut theatrical outing under the Marvel Studios label, though no additional information about the production has been revealed.Addressing the crowd at Comic-Con this weekend, director Shawn Levy heaped praise on Gosling's casting, declaring: "Gosling is the absolute s***. I say that with tremendous respect. We spent a lot of time last year making Starfighter, and [when] Ryan started talking about this character, I was like, 'Bro, let's ride.' We'll see you in 2028!"