When Marvel Studios finally confirmed that Ryan Gosling would be donning the leather jacket and flaming skull of Ghost Rider, fans everywhere rejoiced. The announcement, which came during San Diego Comic-Con, was the payoff to years of speculation and Gosling's own public campaign for the role. But according to Marvel's casting director Sarah Finn, the decision was about more than just giving the people what they wanted.
In an exclusive interview with Collider at the Newport Beach Film Festival, Finn opened up about what makes Gosling the ideal fit for the Spirit of Vengeance. "He's the perfect choice, first of all, because he's really passionate about playing the role," she explained. "That's something that matters; passionate actors bring to these characters the love for the characters that we feel on-screen."
That passion is well-documented. Gosling has never been shy about his desire to play Ghost Rider, and his enthusiasm for the character is infectious. But Finn also pointed to his immense talent and versatility, noting that his three Oscar nominations are no accident. "He's an unbelievably talented and versatile actor," she added. "So, with the combination of Shawn Levy at the helm, I feel good about this. I feel good about our possibilities here."
Levy's involvement is a major factor in the equation. The director, who previously worked with Gosling on the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, is coming off the massive success of Deadpool & Wolverine, the MCU's first R-rated film and a record-breaking box office smash. Reuniting the two for Ghost Rider seems like a match made in heaven—or perhaps hell, given the character's demonic origins.
Getting Ghost Rider right is crucial for Marvel, especially after the long wait fans have endured. A planned Hulu series featuring Gabriel Luna's Robbie Reyes never materialized, leaving a void that the 2028 film will finally fill. The character's rich comic book history and cult following make him a high-stakes addition to the MCU, and Finn's confidence in Gosling and Levy suggests the studio is pulling out all the stops.
While Gosling's casting was a thrilling surprise, Finn also reflected on another well-kept secret: Sadie Sink's role as Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. "I'm a little bit surprised that we managed to, to be honest," she admitted. "In this day and age, it's getting harder and harder to keep things under lock and key. But I think that, without people knowing what the role is, it was very hard for fans to guess ahead of time, so I think that helped."
Finn praised director Destin Daniel Cretton and the film's cast, including Tom Holland and Zendaya, for their work on the project. "Everyone was at peak form in the film, and we needed an actress who was going to fit in seamlessly and match well with that," she said. "And I'm so happy for Sadie's success in what she was able to do in that film."
As for Ghost Rider, fans can expect a fiery ride when the film hits theaters on July 28, 2028. With Gosling's passion, Levy's direction, and Finn's seal of approval, it's safe to say the Spirit of Vengeance is in good hands. For more on the MCU's future, check out our breakdown of the Guardians trilogy's sci-fi legacy and our list of near-perfect thriller series to stream while you wait.
