Marvel Returns to Hall H: Ryan Gosling Cast as Ghost Rider, Black Panther 3 Set for 2028
Studio unveils major slate at SDCC 2026, including Ghost Rider, Black Panther 3, and new Avengers details.
Marvel Studios stormed back into San Diego Comic-Con's Hall H on July 25, 2026, marking its first appearance in the legendary venue since 2024 with a slate of announcements that signal a decisive pivot toward the franchise's next era.
The headline grabber: Ryan Gosling will ride into the MCU as Ghost Rider. Shawn Levy directs, with release scheduled for 2028. The casting pairs Gosling with Levy, who has become one of Marvel's go-to directors for high-concept entries.
Black Panther Continues
Black Panther 3 receives a firm release date of December 15, 2028. David Jonsson will take up the mantle as T'Challa's son, stepping into the role made iconic by Chadwick Boseman. Ryan Coogler returns to direct, ensuring continuity for the Wakandan saga as it enters its third chapter.
Avengers: Doomsday Takes Shape
Hayley Atwell confirmed her return as Peggy Carter in Avengers: Doomsday, the centerpiece of Marvel's current multiverse arc. The film continues to build around Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom as the primary antagonist.
In a surprise appearance, Ryan Reynolds took the stage in a grey denim Deadpool costume, quipping that he wasn't wearing a Doom mask over his mask because he didn't want to ruin the lines of his "Canadian tuxedo." Entertainment outlets widely interpreted the bit as confirmation of Deadpool's inclusion in Doomsday, though Marvel's official panel recap characterized it as a surprise appearance rather than an explicit casting announcement.
Theatrical Re-Release and Disney+ Expansion
Marvel announced that Avengers: Endgame will return to theaters on September 25, 2026, under the title "Avengers: Endgame Encore." The re-release will feature exclusive footage from Avengers: Doomsday, a strategy designed to bridge the gap between the Infinity Saga and the current Doom-centered narrative.
On the streaming front, Vision Quest arrives on Disney+ on October 14, 2026, serving as the conclusion to the WandaVision trilogy that began with the 2021 series.
Footage Previews
New footage from Spider-Man: Brand New Day showed Hulk speaking in Mark Ruffalo's voice while displaying aggressive behavior—described by IGN as a blend of Smart and Savage Hulk characteristics. The appearance suggests the character's return with expanded capabilities.
Feige's Homage
Closing the panel, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige offered a nod to the source material that launched the franchise: "Without the comics, no MCU, no movies, no TV shows, no animation, nothin'."
The 2026 panel marks a strategic inflection point for Marvel Studios. With Gosling's high-profile casting, the continuation of Black Panther, and the looming Doctor Doom saga, the studio is betting big on legacy properties and star power as it navigates the post-Infinity Saga landscape.