Marvel SDCC 2026: David Jonsson takes the Black Panther mantle, Ryan Gosling joins the MCU as Ghost Rider

Marvel Studios returned to Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con in emphatic fashion, using its annual showcase to look beyond Avengers: Doomsday with two of its biggest franchise announcements in years. Alongside exclusive footage from the upcoming crossover event, Marvel officially confirmed Black Panther 3 and a standalone Ghost Rider film, signalling an ambitious roadmap for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

One of the panel’s biggest surprises was the unveiling of a new Black Panther. Director Ryan Coogler took the stage to introduce David Jonsson, who will play Prince T’Challa, the son of the late King T’Challa. The character was first teased at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and the new film will explore the next generation of Wakanda while continuing the story led by Letitia Wright’s Shuri. Black Panther 3 is scheduled to arrive in December 2028.

Marvel also confirmed that Ghost Rider is finally joining the MCU in his own feature film. Ryan Gosling will portray Johnny Blaze, with Shawn Levy attached to direct. The project, currently slated for 2028, marks the character’s first appearance within the interconnected Marvel Studios universe after previous big-screen adaptations outside the MCU.

While the new projects dominated headlines, Avengers: Doomsday remained the centrepiece of Marvel’s presentation. Fans inside Hall H were treated to an extended look at the film, featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom leading an assault against Earth’s heroes with an army of Sentinels. The footage also teased clashes between the Avengers, Fantastic Four and X-Men before they are forced to unite against Doom’s growing threat.

Marvel President Kevin Feige was joined on stage by Anthony and Joe Russo, along with a sprawling lineup of cast members including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Chris Hemsworth, Letitia Wright and Patrick Stewart. Ryan Reynolds also made a surprise appearance, further fuelling speculation about Deadpool’s role in the MCU’s future.

With Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Avengers: Doomsday, Ghost Rider and Black Panther 3 now firmly on the horizon, Marvel used Comic-Con to make one thing clear: after a period of uncertainty, the studio is betting on iconic characters, major crossover events and familiar faces to drive the MCU’s next era.