The 2026 panel at San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H showcased some unforgettable Marvel moments, with the studio delivering what could be its most impressive presentation in years. Kevin Feige’s presentation on Saturday brought two major announcements that sparked genuine surprise and excitement among the thousands present.
First, Ryan Coogler will return to direct “Black Panther 3”, featuring David Jonsson as the adult son of T’Challa, with the film shot in 70mm and set for release on December 15, 2028. Shortly thereafter, Ryan Gosling appeared on stage to confirm his role as Ghost Rider in a film directed by Shawn Levy, also aiming for a 2028 release. Two standout announcements, two significant castings, all in one panel.
The significance of “Black Panther 3” is immense, a fact well understood by Feige and Coogler as they took the stage. The original 2018 film, led by Chadwick Boseman, grossed $1.3 billion worldwide and was the first superhero film to receive a Best Picture Academy Award nomination. Boseman’s passing in 2020 altered the franchise’s trajectory in unforeseen ways. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” addressed this loss by shifting the focus to Letitia Wright’s Shuri, achieving over $850 million globally and winning one Oscar from five nominations. Angela Bassett also made history as the first Marvel role to earn an Academy Award nomination.
The third installment now addresses the question left open at the end of “Black Panther 2”: T’Challa had a young son with Nakia, portrayed by Lupita Nyong’o, and this child now becomes central to the narrative.
Black Panther 3: David Jonsson, 70mm, and the Weight of Legacy
David Jonsson has been cast as T’Challa’s son in ‘BLACK PANTHER 3’. pic.twitter.com/HfJsnteCi5
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 26, 2026
David Jonsson is an ideal choice for this complex role, having established strong dramatic credentials through works like “Alien: Romulus,” “The Long Walk,” and leading two seasons of “Industry.” His range spans science fiction horror to high-stakes financial drama, perfectly aligning with the demands of portraying T’Challa’s son, who is burdened with themes of grief, legacy, and identity. Jonsson has shown he can embody such depth without reducing the character to mere symbolism.
Coogler’s decision to shoot in 70mm indicates that “Black Panther 3” aims for a scale and cinematic vision surpassing typical MCU productions. Films shot in 70mm, like “Lawrence of Arabia,” “The Hateful Eight,” and “Oppenheimer,” are designed to be experienced in theaters with a visual quality unmatched by streaming. The December 2028 release positions the film to address the aftermath of next year’s “Avengers: Secret Wars,” setting the stage for the MCU’s evolving narrative.
An intriguing narrative challenge lies in depicting the transition of T’Challa’s son from the toddler seen in “Wakanda Forever” to the adult portrayed by Jonsson.
Ghost Rider: Ryan Gosling and the Creative Partnership That Made It Happen
Ghost Rider enters the MCU 🔥
Ryan Gosling will star in Marvel Studios’ Ghost Rider, directed by Shawn Levy. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/MR2HJww2Wg
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 26, 2026
In contrast, the “Ghost Rider” announcement was marked by charisma. Ryan Gosling captivated the Hall H audience with a memorable appearance, expressing his long-held desire to portray this character, stating, “Wow. Is this really happening? As you know, this is a character I’ve wanted to play for a very long time.” He emphasized there was “only one director who can do it,” before Shawn Levy joined him on stage, confirming their collaboration.
Levy, who directed “Deadpool and Wolverine,” is set to make “Ghost Rider” as his second consecutive film with Gosling following “Star Wars: Starfighter,” slated for release on May 28, 2027. Levy revealed that the concept for “Ghost Rider” developed during their work on Starfighter, with Gosling refining his vision for the character until Levy simply said, “Bro, let’s ride.”
Gosling, a three-time Academy Award nominee, brings a significant level of prestige to the MCU with his casting. While Ghost Rider has previously appeared in non-MCU formats, this new iteration within the existing continuity, enhanced by Gosling’s unique blend of physicality and screen presence, presents a fresh take. Both films are slated for 2028 releases, signaling Marvel’s strategic direction.
Featured image: @marvelstudios/Instagram
