Marvel Studios has a history of big, epic Comic-Con announcements. From unveiling the full cast of The Avengers in 2010, announcing the Phase 4 slate in 2019, and announcing Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in 2024, expectations are high with big shoes to fill each year. 2026 was no different; the studio sought to hype up Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
However, Marvel Studios still brought a few notable announcements for their 2026 presentation. This included the announcement that a beloved Marvel character would get a solo MCU film, played by a fan-favorite actor; more news about Avengers: Doomsday; and a major reveal about the future of the Black Panther franchise. Here are the biggest reveals from the Marvel Studios San Diego Comic-Con 2026 panel.
8
Ryan Gosling is Ghost Rider
Marvel Studios kicked off its Hall H panel with the announcement that Ryan Gosling would be playing Johnny Blaze / Ghost Rider in the MCU. Gosling has floated the idea of playing Ghost Rider back in 2022, when MovieWeb argued he would be the perfect Ghost Rider. Now he officially joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe in his own solo Ghost Rider film. It is a fitting casting choice, as Gosling’s wife Eva Mendes played Roxane Simmons in 2007’s Ghost Rider.
7
Shawn Levy Will Direct Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider will serve as a reunion film between Ryan Gosling and director Shawn Levy, who has signed on to direct. Levy and Gosling are currently working together on Star Wars: Starfighter, set for release in May 2027. Levy himself previously directed the MCU film Deadpool & Wolverine. Marvel Studios also confirmed that Ghost Rider will debut sometime in 2028, but did not confirm if it is set for the announced May 5 and July 28 dates the studio has untitled films set for.
6
Doctor Doom Has Latverian Witches
On the show floor of San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios’ presentation featured the debut of three figures in Doctor Doom-like outfits labeled Latverian witches. The three witches were wearing purple, gold, and green outfits. This has led many to speculate that these witches will be unmasked by the end of the film as official MCU characters in a big dramatic reveal. This could be how Elizabeth Olsen will return as the Scarlet Witch.
5
Doctor Doom and the Fantastic Four Have History
Ever since the announcement that Robert Downey Jr. would be playing Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, many have wondered if this version of the villain would have any connection to the Fantastic Four. Despite Doctor Doom debuting in the mid-credit scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it was still unclear if the villain was native to Earth 828. However, the sneak peek footage at San Diego Comic-Con had Sue Storm say she always knew he was dangerous, but never realized how broken he was. This all but confirms that the Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday is a foe of the Fantastic Four.
4
Hayley Atwell Officially Returning
After it was confirmed that Chris Evans would be returning as Steve Rogers in Avengers: Doomsday, many wondered whether Hayley Atwell would return as Peggy Carter. Atwell was not part of the official 2025 cast announcement, and so far has been seen in none of the marketing. Atwell was confirmed to return in Avengers: Doomsday at San Diego Comic-Con during the Hall H panel, joining the main cast.
3
‘Black Panther III’ Sets Release Date
The last major announcement for the MCU regarded Black Panther III. Ryan Coogler, director of Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, confirmed Black Panther III is officially set to open in theaters on Dec. 15, 2028. The film will be part of Marvel Studios Phase Seven. The news of Black Panther III also came with a major revelation about the story: the movie will focus on an adult version of T’Challa Jr., who the audience met at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
2
A New Black Panther
Ever since the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman in 2020, Marvel Studios made the decision not to recast the role of T’Challa. Instead, the sequel passed the mantle of Black Panther to Shuri, T’Challa’s sister. Now, Black Panther III will focus on T’Challa Jr., who was introduced at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. David Jonsson, who appeared in Alien: Romulus and The Long Walk, is set to play T’Challa Jr in Black Panther III. How T’Challa Jr., who was previously a child no older than 5, will now be an adult remains unclear. What is clear is that the trilogy will each focus on a different person taking up the mantle of Black Panther.
1
Nothing About the X-Men
Despite Marvel Studios confirming Jake Schreier would be directing X-Men back in 2025, the studio did not make any announcements regarding their reboot of the popular Marvel team. Marvel Studios might be holding off on X-Men reveals for two reasons. The first is that Sadie Sink is rumored to play Jean Grey in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Marvel might want to preserve that surprise. The other is to not overshadow the reveal of the returning 20th Century Fox X-Men in Avengers: Doomsday.
- Release Date
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December 18, 2026
- Runtime
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165 Minutes
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
