David Jonsson and Ryan Gosling Announced as Newest Members of MCU

Two of Marvel's most iconic mantles are officially changing hands. The studio's Hall H panel sent the crowd into a frenzy as both castings were confirmed live on stage.

David Jonsson and Ryan Gosling have been unveiled as the faces of Marvel's next Black Panther and Ghost Rider, sparking a wave of excitement among longtime fans of the franchises.

David Jonsson speaks onstage during the Marvel Studios Panel at the 2026 San Diego Comic-Con on July 25 in California. | Source: Getty Images

The announcements were made during Marvel Studios' Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend.

Jonsson, known for "Alien: Romulus" and "The Long Walk," is set to portray the grown-up version of T'Challa's son, Prince T'Challa II, as he steps into adulthood and assumes the Black Panther mantle in "Black Panther 3."

The character was first introduced as a young boy in the closing scenes of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." Director Ryan Coogler is returning to helm the third instalment, confirming it will arrive in theaters on December 15, 2028.

Letitia Wright, Ryan Coogler, David Jonsson and Winston Duke attend the Marvel Studios Panel at the 2026 San Diego Comic-Con on July 25 in California. | Source: Getty Images

"Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and privilege and the blessing to join," Jonsson told the crowd from the stage on Saturday, prompting chants of "Wakanda" from the audience.

He'll star alongside Letitia Wright and Winston Duke, who are both reprising their roles as Shuri and M'Baku. Duke and Wright stood by Jonsson's side during the surprise reveal, offering their support as he was introduced to fans.

Letitia Wright, Ryan Coogler, David Jonsson, Winston Duke and Kevin Feige attend the Marvel Studios Panel at the 2026 San Diego Comic-Con on July 25 in California. | Source: Getty Images

Much like Wright — who stepped into the Black Panther role following the death of her co-star Chadwick Boseman in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" — Jonsson now faces the challenge of carrying on a legacy.

Boseman had originally been expected to reprise the role in the 2022 sequel, but he passed away in August 2020 after privately battling colon cancer for four years. He was 43.

Chadwick Boseman attends the European Premiere of Marvel Studios' "Black Panther" at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith on February 8, 2018 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Even so, anticipation is building around how Jonsson will bring this next chapter of Prince T'Challa's story to life. "YESSSS KNEW HIM FROM THE LONG WALK I KNOW HE’LL BE THE BEST CHOICE!!" one person cheered.

"The perfect casting are you KIDDING ME?!! this is incredible 🥹," another gushed. A third added, "The future of Wakanda looks promising. 🖤."

Elsewhere at the panel, Gosling was confirmed to take on the role of Johnny Blaze, the supernatural antihero known as Ghost Rider, in a fresh big-screen take directed by Shawn Levy of "Deadpool & Wolverine" fame.

The two are reuniting after wrapping "Star Wars: Starfighter," another highly anticipated release also slated for 2028. News of the casting sent the packed Comic-Con crowd into an uproar.

Ryan Gosling attends the Marvel panel during Comic-Con International on July 25, 2026 in San Diego, California. | Source: Getty Images

"As you know, this is a character I've wanted to play for a long time," Gosling shared with the enthusiastic audience. Nicolas Cage previously brought Johnny Blaze to life in 2007's "Ghost Rider" and returned for the 2011 follow-up, "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance."

Levy, who directed the hit "Deadpool & Wolverine," reflected on the moment with the crowd. "I'm having the greatest flashback vibes here, because I was here two years ago when we showed 'Deadpool & Wolverine.'"

"Gosling is the absolute [expletive]. I say that with tremendous respect. We spent a lot of time last year making 'Starfighter,' and the opportunity as Ryan started talking about this character, I was like, 'Bro let's ride.' We'll see you in 2028!"