Marvel Studios used its Saturday presentation at Comic-Con International to unveil significant casting news. David Jonsson will take on the role of the new Black Panther, portraying the son of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, with the film slated for release in 2028. Ryan Gosling has been cast as Ghost Rider, also set to premiere in the same year.
Jonsson appeared on stage with Oscar-winning director of the Black Panther franchise, Ryan Coogler. He joined Letitia Wright and Winston Duke, placing a hand on his chest with a broad smile. ‘Black Panther III’ is scheduled for a December 15, 2028 release. The actor, recognized for roles in ‘Industry’, ‘The Long Walk’, and ‘Alien: Romulus’, expressed gratitude for joining the Black Panther family. Boseman passed away in 2020, and the 2022 film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ revealed T’Challa had a son, sparking fan speculation about who would take up the mantle.
The original ‘Black Panther’ of 2018 was the first superhero film to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, grossing over $1.3 billion globally. Its sequel earned $850 million. Ryan Gosling joins the Marvel universe by teaming up again with director Shawn Levy for ‘Ghost Rider’. Gosling expressed his long-standing desire to play the character, emphasizing the excitement of the announcement.
Eva Mendes, Gosling’s partner, appeared in the original 2007 ‘Ghost Rider’ film alongside Nicolas Cage. Though Sony initially held the rights and released a sequel in 2012, the rights have since reverted to Marvel. However, the character has yet to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Marvel Studios Chief Kevin Feige announced the re-release of the 2019 film ‘Avengers: Endgame’ on September 25 with new footage linking it to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, scheduled for a December 18 release. A trailer showcased Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor Von Doom having a past connection with Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal, and Sue Storm, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby. Sue describes Doom as a once-different man who lost everything he loved.
Downey Jr. jokingly referred to Richards and Doom as ‘best friends’, alluding to fan curiosity following a post-credits scene in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’. The scene depicted Doom in the living room with Reed, Storm, and their baby. Stars from ‘Doomsday’, including Wright, Duke, Chris Evans, and others, appeared on stage to enthusiastic fan reception.
Ryan Reynolds made a surprise appearance dressed in a new gray Deadpool suit, humorously questioning Paul Rudd about Thor’s tears in a previous film. Downey Jr. humorously retorted from the stage, adding to the lively panel atmosphere. Despite waning interest in superhero films and mixed responses to recent releases, Marvel Studios aims to revitalize its brand. ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, slated for a July 31 release, is anticipated to lead summer box office sales, with strong pre-sales reported for ‘Doomsday’.
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