Go full R-rated horror: Marvel writer pushes for Ryan Gosling’s 'Ghost Rider'
A Marvel writer suggests Ryan Gosling’s Ghost Rider could get a scarier, R-rated overhaul — and hints at a direction that’ll raise eyebrows.
Comics writer Benjamin Percy is pushing hard for Ryan Gosling ’s take on Ghost Rider to go full-on horror. While promoting his Audible Original thriller Exoplanet (out November 2026 ), Percy laid out a Hellraiser-style vision for the Spirit of Vengeance — and he didn’t mince words. The comments were shared on X by @ComicBook.
“I would lean towards the R-rated horror version of the character and not do the standard cape and spandex,” the former Ghost Rider writer said.
“I would really lean into, like, Johnny pulling hot chains out of his mouth, or his skin melting right off of him with a halo of flames around.”
Percy has the receipts to make the ask: he’s been writing Marvel ’s Ghost Rider since 2022, steering the book through body horror and demonic-parasite nightmares. He’s argued the character works best when it ’s nasty and supernatural, and says the current horror boom only strengthens the case for a darker take.
Production team taking shape
Behind the camera, Marvel’s movie is quietly loading up. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Oscar winner Linus Sandgren (La La Land) has signed on as director of photography, with plans to shoot on real film in New York in 2027 — a tactile choice for a character powered by fire and brimstone. It also reunites Sandgren with Gosling.
- Star — Ryan Gosling (role identity not yet announced)
- Director — Shawn Levy ( Deadpool & Wolverine )
- Writer — Jonathan Tropper
- Director of photography — Linus Sandgren; planned film-stock shoot in New York in 2027
- Villain — Connor Storrie (Heated Rivalry) is reportedly in talks; not confirmed by Marvel
- Release — In theaters July 28, 2028
Marvel hasn’t said which Rider Gosling will play, though Johnny Blaze is the easy bet — Nicolas Cage portrayed Blaze in two PG-13 Ghost Rider movies back when the character lived at Sony.
There’s also a real precedent for Percy’s pitch. Levy just delivered the MCU ’s first R-rated entry with Deadpool & Wolverine, showing Marvel Studios will make an exception when it fits. Levy and Tropper have also previously teamed with Gosling on Star Wars: Starfighter, so the core trio already has history.
When it’s coming
Marvel confirmed Gosling’s casting at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026, with cameras not expected to roll until 2027. The Spirit of Vengeance is scheduled to hit theaters on July 28, 2028.