Ryan Gosling's Ghost Rider Will Be Shot Entirely on Film

Marvel Studios' upcoming Ghost Rider movie is taking a different approach to cinematography, with Shawn Levy directing and the film reportedly targeting a 2028 release.

Marvel Studios’ upcoming Ghost Rider movie is shaping up to be an interesting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and a new production detail has made the project even more exciting. A new report says that the next Ryan Gosling Ghost Rider film will be shot entirely on classic film, not digital cameras. The decision is especially fascinating given how much modern Hollywood relies on digital cinematography. 

Shooting on film isn’t that rare, but you don't often see a major Marvel Studios production shot entirely on the classic medium, which makes the project stand out. It also implies the creative team may be looking for a unique visual identity rather than the standard approach of many previous superhero projects. Shawn Levy is said to be directing the movie and will apparently bring his experience on large-scale Hollywood projects to the project as well.

The film already has a big star in the cast with Ryan Gosling as Ghost Rider.

The announced camera crew makes the project even more interesting, especially for fans of traditional filmmaking techniques. Another great detail is the participation of Dune: Part Three’s cinematographer. With a veteran director, a big Hollywood name, and a skilled cinematographer, Marvel seems to be assembling a strong creative team for the supernatural superhero film.

The anticipated 2028 release window also gives the studio plenty of time to develop the production. Marvel hasn’t disclosed too much information about the movie’s plot, but Ghost Rider’s entrance could suggest a darker side of the MCU is coming, something that a lot of fans have been craving to see more of. The decision to shoot the entire movie on film is especially important given the ongoing debate between conventional film and digital cinematography. 

Both media have their strengths, but film lovers generally cite the genuine texture, color reproduction, and visual depth that vintage film cameras can offer. With film, unlike digital cinematography, where filmmakers can shoot flatter and color-correct heavily in post, you have to pay close attention to lighting and exposure during filming. The decisions you make during filming play a big role in the final look.

One of the great strengths of conventional film is its distinctive visual character. Film can add depth to colors, natural grain, and lighting that makes photographs look distinct from digitally shot footage.

These traits would work well for a Ghost Rider movie.

A more textured cinematic feel could be beneficial, given this character's magical nature, fiery appearance, and ties to darker supernatural themes. A conventional film style could also help create a deeper atmosphere if the movie deals with darker landscapes, gritty city scenes, and otherworldly imagery. But the final product will ultimately depend on the cinematography, lighting, and color grading.

Marvel's Ghost Rider has Ryan Gosling in the lead, is helmed by Shawn Levy, has an accomplished cinematographer on board, and is already turning heads. Shooting the entire project on film gives it another noteworthy distinction, making it one of the more intriguing prospective MCU productions to watch ahead of its estimated 2028 release.