Marvel Studios Announces New Films at Comic-Con International

Marvel Studios took the stage at Comic-Con International to reveal major casting news. David Jonsson has been announced as the new Black Panther, playing the son of T’Challa originally portrayed by Chadwick Boseman. Ryan Gosling will play Ghost Rider in upcoming films set for release in 2028. Jonsson appeared on stage with Ryan Coogler, director of the ‘Black Panther’ franchise, alongside Letitia Wright and Winston Duke. ‘Black Panther III’ is scheduled for release on December 15, 2028.

Thanks to this family I have the honor and blessing to join. I don’t want to say too much, because I want to let the screen do the talking,

stated Jonsson, known for roles in ‘Industry,’ ‘The Long Walk,’ and ‘Alien: Romulus.’ Boseman’s death in 2020 left fans guessing who might take over, with names like Damson Idris and Wright being considered. The original ‘Black Panther’ film from 2018 was the first superhero movie nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture and grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. Its sequel earned $850 million globally.

Ryan Gosling Joins the Marvel Universe
Gosling will reunite with director Shawn Levy from ‘Star Wars: Starfighter,’ for ‘Ghost Rider.’

Levy expressed nostalgia for Hall H, noting his excitement for their last appearance promoting ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ which was a massive success. Gosling greeted Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige, sharing his longtime interest in playing Ghost Rider. Gosling’s long-term partner, Eva Mendes, starred with Nicolas Cage in the original standalone ‘Ghost Rider’ film, released in 2007. Sony released a sequel in 2012, and the rights have since reverted to Marvel, but the character has yet to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Stars Take the Stage for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Feige announced the re-release of Joe and Anthony Russo’s 2019 film, ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ on September 25. It will feature new footage linking it to the Russo’s ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ slated for release on December 18. A ‘Doomsday’ trailer showcased Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor Von Doom connecting with Reed Richards (played by Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby). Storm described Doom as a broken person who lost everything he loved, while Richards questioned Doom’s responsibility for surrounding horrors. Downey joked that Reed and Doom were ‘best friends,’ sparking fan curiosity after the post-credits scene of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ showed Doom in a domestic setting with Reed and Storm’s baby.

‘Doomsday’ stars on stage included Wright, Duke, Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Simu Liu, Danny Ramirez, Anthony Mackie, James Marsden, Kelsey Grammer, Paul Rudd, Rebecca Romijn, David Harbour, Lewis Pullman, and Tenoch Huerta.

Ryan Reynolds as Grey Deadpool
Ryan Reynolds, wearing a new grey Deadpool suit, made an unexpected appearance from the audience. Reynolds quipped, Lifelong listener. First-time caller, before jokingly questioning Rudd about Thor’s tears in a previous film. Rudd replied humorously, referencing Reynolds’ football team investment. Reynolds questioned the high cost of promotion. Downey cheekily responded,It’s ready to go, brother! Did you hit your head?

Fans waited over a day to enter one of Comic-Con’s most anticipated panels. Marvel Studios aims to refresh its brand, diluted by an overwhelming number of Disney+ series and mixed reviews of 2022’s ‘Captain America: Brave New World.’ While interest in superhero movies has waned recently, expectations are high for ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ anticipated to dominate summer box office when it releases on July 31. Ticket pre-sales for ‘Doomsday’ are encouraging.