Connor Storrie in Talks to Face Ryan Gosling in Marvel’s 'Ghost Rider'

Key points

• Connor Storrie is in talks to join Ryan Gosling in Marvel’s 'Ghost Rider' as the main villain.
• Shawn Levy is directing, with Jonathan Tropper writing the screenplay.
• The film is scheduled for a July 28, 2028 release, with filming set to begin in New York in early 2027.
• Storrie’s casting follows his rise to fame via 'Heated Rivalry' and an Emmy nomination for hosting 'Saturday Night Live.'
• Marvel has not confirmed which version of Ghost Rider Gosling will play, nor the specific villain Storrie will portray.

Background

Storrie’s potential role in 'Ghost Rider' follows his breakout performance as Ilya Romanov in 'Heated Rivalry,' which led to brand deals and an Emmy nomination. He previously appeared in 'Joker: Folie à Deux' and is set to star in Sarah Polley’s 'The Bell Jar.' The 'Ghost Rider' project was announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026, with Gosling expressing long-standing interest in the role. Previous adaptations include Nicolas Cage’s 2007 and 2011 films and Gabriel Luna’s TV series 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'

How outlets are covering it

Variety and The Hollywood Reporter confirm Storrie is in talks to play the villain opposite Gosling, with THR noting the deal is not finalized. Knight Edge Media initially reported Storrie was 'circling' the role but later confirmed he would be the main villain, suggesting the antagonist may not be Mephisto, who was played by Sacha Baron Cohen in 'Ironheart.' All sources agree on the director, writer, and release date, but differ on the specific villain identity, with Variety and THR leaving it unspecified while Knight Edge Media suggests a new antagonist similar to Blackheart in the 2007 film.

Why it matters

Storrie’s casting in a major Marvel film represents a significant career milestone, transitioning from TV success to a blockbuster role. The 'Ghost Rider' project, with Gosling as a long-sought lead, signals Marvel’s commitment to reviving the character with a new direction, potentially influencing future MCU projects and fan expectations.

What to watch

Storrie’s deal is expected to be finalized soon, with filming set to begin in New York in early 2027. The film is scheduled for a July 28, 2028 release. Marvel Studios has not confirmed the specific villain or Gosling’s character version, but production is moving quickly, with Linus Sandgren hired as director of photography.