Marvel Studios Announces New Plans at Comic-Con

Marvel Studios used its platform at Comic-Con International to make major announcements. David Jonsson will portray the new Black Panther, playing the son of T’Challa, previously portrayed by Chadwick Boseman. Additionally, Ryan Gosling is set to play Ghost Rider, both in films set for release in 2028.

Jonsson joined the stage with Ryan Coogler, the Oscar-winning director of the Black Panther franchise, as well as Letitia Wright and Winston Duke. With a hand over his heart and a wide smile, Jonsson expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thanks to this family I have the honor and blessing to join. I don’t want to say too much because I want the screen to speak.” The 32-year-old actor is known for roles in “Industry,” “The Long Walk,” and “Alien: Romulus.”

The original “Black Panther” from 2018 was the first superhero movie to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture and grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. Its sequel earned $850 million. Since “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2022 revealed T’Challa had a son, fans speculated who might take over, with Damson Idris and Wright as potential candidates.

Ryan Gosling Joins the Marvel Universe

Ryan Gosling will work again with “Star Wars: Starfighter” director Shawn Levy on “Ghost Rider.” Gosling expressed his excitement, saying he’s long wanted to play the character. His long-time partner, Eva Mendes, starred alongside Nicolas Cage in the original 2007 “Ghost Rider” film. Sony released a sequel in 2012, but the cinematic rights have since returned to Marvel. The character has yet to appear in its cinematic universe.

Stars Gather for “Avengers: Doomsday”

Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios’ chief, shared that the Russo brothers’ 2019 movie “Avengers: Endgame” will have a theatrical re-release on September 25, featuring new footage linked to “Avengers: Doomsday,” slated for December 18. A trailer shown revealed Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor Von Doom has a past connection with Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal, and Sue Storm, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby. The trailer depicted Storm describing Doom as a broken person who underwent significant loss. Richards later questions Doom about the destruction surrounding them.

Robert Downey Jr. joked on stage about Reed and Doom being “best friends.” Curiosity about their connection has persisted since “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” post-credit scene showed Doom in Reed and Storm’s living room with their baby. Stars of “Doomsday,” including Wright, Duke, Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Simu Liu, Danny Ramirez, and several others, appeared on stage.

Ryan Reynolds as Gray Deadpool

Ryan Reynolds surprised the session, arriving in a new gray Deadpool suit. He humorously announced his presence, asking Paul Rudd why Thor was crying in a previous film. Rudd replied it was because “he is a fan of Wrexham,” jokingly referring to the soccer team Reynolds co-owns. Reynolds humorously questioned the lavishness of announcing a film, wondering when shooting would begin. Downey Jr. jokingly responded that filming is already complete.

Fans waited eagerly for a day or more to attend the most anticipated panel at Comic-Con. Marvel Studios aims for this to rejuvenate its brand, as an overflow of Disney+ series and critical disappointment in recent films like last year’s “Captain America: Brave New World” diluted it. Despite waning public interest in superhero films, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” set for a July 31 release, is expected to perform well at the box office. Pre-sales for “Doomsday” tickets are promising.