Marvel Stuns SDCC with 'Avengers: Doomsday,' 'Ghost Rider' with Ryan Gosling, and 'Black Panther 3'
Kevin Feige announced a new 'Ghost Rider' starring Ryan Gosling, confirmed David Jonsson as the new Black Panther, and brought a massive cast to Hall H for 'Avengers: Doomsday.'
“Not a damn thing, but it's a movie.”
- Director
- Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Shawn Levy, Ryan Coogler
Marvel Studios announced a slate of major new films during its presentation at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25, 2026, according to The Walt Disney Company. The studio confirmed a new 'Ghost Rider' movie, revealed the new star of 'Black Panther 3,' and provided a major update on the upcoming 'Avengers: Doomsday.'
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige led the Hall H presentation, which focused on the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. "Today, we’re mainly going to talk about movies," Feige told the crowd, as reported by Marvel.com. "We’re mainly going to talk about movies because that is what brings us together in the world."
What Was Announced at Marvel's SDCC Panel?
The core announcements from the panel included three major theatrical films and a surprise confirmation.
- Ghost Rider: A new film starring Ryan Gosling as Johnny Blaze, directed by Shawn Levy, and set for release in 2028. Jonathan Tropper is writing the script.
- Black Panther 3: Ryan Coogler returns to direct, with David Jonsson revealed as the new Black Panther. The film is scheduled for release on December 15, 2028.
- Avengers: Doomsday: A massive cast panel confirmed the film, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, will release on December 18, 2026.
- Nova: While not announced on stage, Feige confirmed in a post-panel interview that a movie based on the character is in the works.
The Massive 'Avengers: Doomsday' Showcase
The centerpiece of the event was a mega-panel for 'Avengers: Doomsday.' Feige was joined on stage by directors Anthony and Joe Russo and a sprawling cast that included returning stars and new faces.
Confirmed cast members present included Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Simu Liu, Letitia Wright, and Hayley Atwell, who confirmed her return as Peggy Carter. The panel featured an exclusive look at the film and an interactive moment where attendees were given Doctor Doom masks and cloaks to wear.
Ryan Reynolds also made a surprise appearance in full Deadpool costume, humorously angling for a role. "This seems like an awfully expensive way to announce a film," Reynolds' Deadpool said from the crowd, according to NME. "When do you start filming?" Robert Downey Jr., in character as Victor von Doom, replied, "It’s in the can, bro. Look around you. Did you bump your head?"
The New Projects: 'Ghost Rider' and 'Black Panther 3'
The announcement of Ryan Gosling as the new Ghost Rider marks a major casting coup. Gosling, who recently starred in a Star Wars film and 2024's The Fall Guy, has long expressed interest in the role. He will play Johnny Blaze, a character previously portrayed by Nicolas Cage in two non-MCU films.
For 'Black Panther 3,' the emotional reveal came when director Ryan Coogler brought David Jonsson to the stage. Jonsson, known for his role in Alien: Romulus, will take on the mantle of the Black Panther. Coogler returns to write and direct the sequel, with Letitia Wright and Winston Duke also confirmed to return.
How the Announcements Fit the MCU's Future
The announcements confirm the studio's commitment to its core franchises while introducing new heroes. 'Avengers: Doomsday' is positioned as the next major crossover event, bringing together heroes from multiple universes.
The confirmation of a 'Nova' movie, though not ready for a full reveal, points to further cosmic expansion. In a post-panel interview reported by Polygon, when asked about Nova, Feige said, "Not a damn thing, but it's a movie." Screenwriter Michael Waldron, a veteran of Loki and Avengers: Doomsday, is attached to the project.
What's Next for These Marvel Films?
The next confirmed milestone is the theatrical re-release of Avengers: Endgame on September 25, 2026, which will include new footage setting up 'Avengers: Doomsday.'
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is still set for release on July 31, 2026, with Jon Bernthal appearing at SDCC to discuss his role as Frank Castle/The Punisher. 'Avengers: Doomsday' will follow in December 2026. Specific production start dates for 'Ghost Rider' and 'Black Panther 3' were not announced, but both are slated for 2028 releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ryan Gosling playing in 'Ghost Rider'?
Ryan Gosling will play Johnny Blaze, the cursed stunt rider who becomes the supernatural hero Ghost Rider. This version of the character is being brought into the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time.
Is Ryan Reynolds confirmed to be in 'Avengers: Doomsday'?
No. While Ryan Reynolds made a surprise appearance in character as Deadpool at the Comic-Con panel to joke about joining the film, he has not been officially confirmed as part of the cast. Reynolds has previously stated that Deadpool will likely be a "supporting character" in future team-up films rather than headlining another solo movie.
What happened to the original 'Black Panther,' Chadwick Boseman?
The character of T'Challa, originally portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman, will not be recast. The story of 'Black Panther 3' will continue the legacy of the mantle, with David Jonsson taking on the role of the new Black Panther, who is T'Challa's son.
When is the 'Nova' movie coming out?
There is no release date for the 'Nova' movie yet. Kevin Feige only confirmed the project is in development. Given that 'Ghost Rider' and 'Black Panther 3' are scheduled for 2028, a 'Nova' film likely would not arrive until 2029 at the earliest.
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