The Nicolas Cage discussion thread

[marel comics]

i have no problems with nic cage as an actor, but i do not think he should play johny blaze in a ghost rider movie, if anyone disagree say why, and if you agree say who should be johny blaze?

[Isildur´s Heir]

I think that Cage is one of the best actors around, one of my favorites...but i also agree that he is not a good choise to play Johnny Blaze, but i do know that he will make a great job at it (as he would do as Superman, even if he was a very bad choise).

I don´t know who i would cast, but on the looks alone, i think that Paul Walker would be very good (but he is not a very good actor).

[cryptic name]

cage has been begging for a comic role for years, if it's anything it should be ghost rider because cage has a good intesity he could bring in.

[FlameHead]

Paul Walker does in NO way remind me of Blaze. Not his looks, his attitude or his voice. Nothing.

I'm sure this isn't going to be the last thread to be created on this issue but, we should really try to keep the cage topic as one thread. We need not discuss this over and over again every time one of them disappears to the second page.

[Docker2.0]

Please! GR was a role that Keifer Sutherland was made to play! But I got to give it up to Nic Cage. As bad as he wanted to play a superhero, I can see him coming back for a sequel in a heartbeat. I would cast him.

[ironmaidenrules]

when u think about how long this film was in development and how long Cage stuck with it..he should play GR, he earned

most actors would abandon a project after waiting so long for it to even enter production

[FlameHead]

Well, some of the delay in getting this off the ground was Cage's commitments. It's not that he stuck around for the film. The film stuck around for him.

[ironmaidenrules]

i see

well then ignore my last post

[Sava]

Because he's a good actor, thats why

[FlameHead]

Yes, that and he loves the character very much.

[Crowley9]

I haven't read the first Ghost Rider except for the origin story, but I could easily see Cage as Dan Ketch -era Blaze. Just give him a Con Air -style hair in a ponytail and shades.

[FlameHead]

Cage as Dan Ketch? I can't see that at all...

[Retroman]

From LATINOREVIEW.COM:

Nic Cage on Ghost Rider and Skeletor

At a press conference for his latest film, National Treasure, Nicolas Cage revealed that his playing Ghost Rider is still not set in stone, despite being attached to the project for several years. “I’m very curious about that,” Cage said. “However, I ‘m still in talks about that particular movie. It’s not a definite at this point.”

What’s the hold up? “It’s really just a matter of the vision of the movie and how it will be portrayed. It’s talks about script and things like that. It’s true that I was involved with Ghost Rider over three years ago and was trying to develop it with another filmmaker. These things are very sensitive. It’s a bullseye and you really have to hit it. Otherwise it may not work. So it’s best for everyone to be cautious and make sure it’s got the right auspices.”

Cage is so invested in the comic book world because of the impact they had on his childhood. “Comic books for me as a young man were one of the ways I learned how to read. There were other ways too, but I was always fascinated by the mythology of them. Because I used to read Greek myths, so I discovered a kind of kindred spirit in the mind of Stan Lee and also DC Comics. And I always felt they were successful in film as well even before they became successful, and I knew the big three would be Batman and Superman and Spiderman. I guess the reason I responded to them was that they had the fantasy of the child’s mind, and they’re a wonderful alternative world to sort of lose yourself in.”

Should Ghost Rider fall through, Cage will give up on playing a superhero. “I think if this doesn’t work, that’s pretty much it. I’ve never made a comic book film and I’ll just sort of enjoy my nostalgic memories as a boy. I don’t read them any more. It’s something that really came from the past.”

Back when Cage was attached to Superman with Tim Burton, he got as close as trying on the costume. “I did do that. I went pretty far down the road with Tim Burton on that. And at the time, Warner Brothers just wasn’t ready to pull the trigger so to speak on the script because it was getting incredibly expensive and that was at a period in their career, Warner Brothers, where they were being cautious with the money.”

He was also offered a role in Spider-Man. “They talked to me about playing the Green Goblin, but it was at the same time I was offered Adaptation. And I was wanting to play twins in a movie, so that’s why I opted for Adaptation. Also, I like Spike Jonze’s work quite a bit. I also like Sam Raimi very much as well. But it just seemed like Adaptation would give me more of an opportunity to learn something.”

Finally, Cage will not be playing Skeletor in John Woo’s recently announced He-Man project. “No, I don't know anything about that.” He did, however, leave the door open for another project with Woo. “I think John Woo’s a terrific filmmaker and I would love to work with John again. I think we have a good rapport together.”

Link: http://www.latinoreview.com/interviews/cageongr-skel.html

[Isildur´s Heir]

I do hope that Cage doesn´t do it.
Trust me when i say that i would not be very upset if he does make it, because i think that Cage is one of the finest actors around.
But, like i said in other threads, he just doesn´t strike me as Johnny Blaze

[Hunter Rider]

Personally i don't like the sound of that interview,i really liked Cage as Blaze and felt that his love of the character would be a good thing for the movie.

[BIGGUN]

im not suprised that he hasnt signed yet....the producers only said they confirmed that they wanted Cage in the film only couldnt make any official announcements yet. there have been lots of films where the actor hasnt signed up until just a few days before shooting due to contract negotiations.
at least from the sound of that interview they were still in negotiations over the script/contract.
im hoping they are still talking...if they arent then its bad news.
signing a major star for a summer blockbuster film can be a tricky thing. the actor will probably will want to change some things and will more than likely haggle over how much he is paid, share of the profits from the film, merchandise, ect.
Cage would certainly be a big asset to this movie...i hope everything works out as there is less than 3 months to go before shooting starts. at least from the look of things it appears they are certain they will start shooting in Jan...since they already plopped down the cash for the studio in Australia.
if we dont get any official word on casting Cage either this month or in Dec ..the GR film could be in trouble...again :(

[The Lizard]

I will be VERY HAPPY if Nic Cage is NOT playing Johnny Blaze. Someone younger and less quirky please!

*crosses fingers and wishes a double jinx on Cage negotiations*

[MRMORDRID]

Just take the offer away from him and move on. I think he's the kiss of death when it comes to comic book movies. The guy is what nearly 50? I think Mathew McCanahey would make an excellent Johny Blaze. :ghost:

[Hunter Rider]

If Cage leaves this movie will go back into the dreaded "in development" bin.
Also Cage is a great actor who will nail the part,the difference between him and the other names people throw out is that he cares about the character where as the others it's just a paycheck.
As for matthew M he's not really a big name and i think GR will benefit from having a big star like cage to get interest from those non fans.

[Kung Fu master]

What has me worried is exactly why he hasn't signed yet.

“It’s really just a matter of the vision of the movie and how it will be portrayed. It’s talks about script and things like that."

WTF does that mean?
Nick is a fan, right? He'd know if it was faithful or not, right?
So then is something wrong with MSJ's script or is Nicholas Cage just really indecisive?

[The Lizard]

If Cage leaves this movie will go back into the dreaded "in development" bin.


Not necessarily. If the director and production team remain the same, there's no reason to "shelve" a movie just because the star changes. It's not like the GR script was written solely for Nic Cage or anything.

If he leaves the project, I say good riddance.

[Hunter Rider]

Not necessarily. If the director and production team remain the same, there's no reason to "shelve" a movie just because the star changes. It's not like the GR script was written solely for Nic Cage or anything.

If he leaves the project, I say good riddance.
I respect the fact that you don't like nic cage as GR but i truly believe weve got this far b/c columbia/Sony think he is going to sign and if he doesn't they'll have to put it on hold for another year or more at least until they can find a big name to play blaze as they probably are worried about drawing audiences on the back of a character that the mainstream arent so aware of:)

[The Lizard]

That's true, Mark Steven Johnson would most likely have to find a comparatively big name to replace Cage if he leaves.

[LastSunrise1981]

I hope Nic does end up doing Ghost Rider. Because of his love for the character I'd love to see what he brings.

I don't think he's another Ben Affleck who proclaims "love" for a comic book character. I respect Nic and always respected his work, so I'm hoping he signs on for it and the sequels.

[The Flash]

I'll admit, Nicolas Cage wasn't my first choice for the G-Man, but if he signs, I'd be fine with it. But if he doesn't sign, I'll be fine with that too. I just prefer someone a little younger than Cage, not exactly a big named actor, but someone younger.

[Hypestyle]

if there's no "star" then the movie may not get huge publicity.. I guess his fear is that he will be lost in all the flame-skull effects..

[FlameHead]

All I can say with this news is that if Nic doesn't want the role, I'll gladly take it off his hands. Hehe.

I don't think we really have to worry about things right now though. This is just a development and a normal process. Even if Cage does walk out, the movie will happen. Too much has been invested now.

[BIGGUN]

i just hope that if Cage does leave that the quality of the production will remain the same. that if he goes there wont be a "selling point" for the film anymore ..ie a major star. they could possibly ditch the blockbuster idea and instead make a cheap b movie w/ sub par effects . Also i have a bad feeling that if he goes there wont be anyone associated w/ the project who will have enough "muscle" to prevent the studio heads from mucking around w/ the movie. im always afraid of that happening...
MSJ doesnt have enough clout yet in hollywood...to Sony/Columbia hes just a hired hand. Cage on the other hand appears to have some pull w/ Sony....im sure they would want to keep the guy happy so he will continue starring in their films. thats another thing about Cage being a fan of the comic...he will want it to be as close to the story as possible.
i keep having these nightmares that if Cage goes Sony will want to the easy/cheap route and just get an unknown. possibly even make the movie specifically for teens. maybe include a hip hop soundtrack and have Ghostie spout goofy one-liners to the villains....Brrrrr....get the chills just thinkin about that...

[Hunter Rider]

i just hope that if Cage does leave that the quality of the production will remain the same. that if he goes there wont be a "selling point" for the film anymore ..ie a major star. they could possibly ditch the blockbuster idea and instead make a cheap b movie w/ sub par effects . Also i have a bad feeling that if he goes there wont be anyone associated w/ the project who will have enough "muscle" to prevent the studio heads from mucking around w/ the movie. im always afraid of that happening...
MSJ doesnt have enough clout yet in hollywood...to Sony/Columbia hes just a hired hand. Cage on the other hand appears to have some pull w/ Sony....im sure they would want to keep the guy happy so he will continue starring in their films. thats another thing about Cage being a fan of the comic...he will want it to be as close to the story as possible.
i keep having these nightmares that if Cage goes Sony will want to the easy/cheap route and just get an unknown. possibly even make the movie specifically for teens. maybe include a hip hop soundtrack and have Ghostie spout goofy one-liners to the villains....Brrrrr....get the chills just thinkin about that...
I agree,the thought of A McG type ghost Rider is terrible:(

[RedIsNotBlue]

I think the main feeling of people who wanna see this movie feel that they don't mind if Cage plays Blaze but also don't really mind if he leaves the role. With that said I think that if Cage leaves that there is definitely another actor out there that could play the role just as good or even better IMO.

[FlameHead]

It was only until MSJ said what he said in his Q&A that I gave Nic a chance. I always thought it was miscast... but I was always wanting Dan to be the lead. Ketch that is. Nic would be a great Blaze, no doubt.

I just hope that whoever takes it over is a fan like Cage.

i keep having these nightmares that if Cage goes Sony will want to the easy/cheap route and just get an unknown. possibly even make the movie specifically for teens. maybe include a hip hop soundtrack and have Ghostie spout goofy one-liners to the villains....Brrrrr....get the chills just thinkin about that...

BG man, you gotta stop puttin' images like that in my head. I picutre a movie like Garfield where everything is real, except the lead character which is so obviously fake we need to slap ourselves silly to suspend the disbelief. They would have GR looking like the version from the Hammercrap series. Kiddified or something. Whatever that means....

[Rob_Merritt]

Nic Cage has been attached so long to GR that I can't see anyone BUT him playing.

[RedIsNotBlue]

Nic Cage has been attached so long to GR that I can't see anyone BUT him playing.

His name was also attached to Superman for a while and look how that turned out.

[The Lizard]

If Collin Farell comes to his senses and doesn't do the proposed 2006 Miami Vice movie, he could make a good Blaze.

[Retroman]

I really hope Cage signs on. He seems to have a genuine love for the character and it will certainly help it at the box-office.

The Ghost Rider crew is already is Melbourne, Australia. The script is ready, the sets are being constructed (i think), auditions taking place, studios and locations have been booked. Shooting is expected to start January. So if Cage doesn't sign....

Shooting dates: http://www.film.vic.gov.au/news/shooting.shtml
Crew seems to be enjoying themselves in OZ: http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,11245008%5E28957,00.html
Location plans: http://www.abc.net.au/westernplains/news/200411/s1235606.htm

[BIGGUN]

[QUOTE=Retroman]I really hope Cage signs on. He seems to have a genuine love for the character and it will certainly help it at the box-office.

QUOTE]

agreed...realistically i dont see them just outright cancelling the production if Cage doesnt sign on. however i do see a delay in trying to find a replacement....but in some cases a delay could kill a film.
it would be easier and cheaper to get a no-name actor for Blaze...but it would affect how they would market the film and maybe even the FX. getting someone as big as Cage would be preferable but its a big gamble to get the right person who has enough clout in hollywood and if their schedule is free from feb-june. and thats a BIG if....

im hoping that the reason for the continuing talks is just over normal things...like maybe some lines in the script or how much $$ Cage will get.

[RedIsNotBlue]

[QUOTE=Retroman]I really hope Cage signs on. He seems to have a genuine love for the character and it will certainly help it at the box-office.

QUOTE]

agreed...realistically i dont see them just outright cancelling the production if Cage doesnt sign on. however i do see a delay in trying to find a replacement....but in some cases a delay could kill a film.
it would be easier and cheaper to get a no-name actor for Blaze...but it would affect how they would market the film and maybe even the FX. getting someone as big as Cage would be preferable but its a big gamble to get the right person who has enough clout in hollywood and if their schedule is free from feb-june. and thats a BIG if....

im hoping that the reason for the continuing talks is just over normal things...like maybe some lines in the script or how much $$ Cage will get.

I doubt Cage is gonna throw out this film. MSJ has dropped hints of Cage and him talking about things for movie. MSJ wants Cage for Blaze and if Cage is as big as a fan as he says he is then he is gonna play Blaze. So basically your looking at a 90% chance of Cage taking the role.

[BIGGUN]

So basically your looking at a 90% chance of Cage taking the role.

im just worried about that pesky 10% ...heh

[RedIsNotBlue]

im just worried about that pesky 10% ...heh

Yeah I know...there is always the chance that Cage could get the "I'm too big" attitude and ask for a ridiculous sum of money or something but I doubt that would happen.

[FlameHead]

I highly doubt it would be over money that Cage would leave the project. If anything, it would be creative differences. He doesn't want to see his favorite character taken lightly.

[darthhalen]

Hey guys, new to the boards, but have been reading for some time. I was really concerned with the news about Nic Cage not having signed yet. I have been waiting for this movie along with the new Superman forever, and both seemed so close to happening. My biggest worry is the studio heads would significantly delay the movie without Cage in the lead. I know the whole crew is already down under and so much has been done, but look at all they spent on the numerous Superman misfires.
Hey BIGGUN, didn't you get contacted by MSJ once or do I have that confused? If so, is there any way for us to find any information regarding this from him? I know he has recently posted that huge update where everything sounded great and he was really excited about Nic Cage in the role.

[BIGGUN]

Hey BIGGUN, didn't you get contacted by MSJ once or do I have that confused? If so, is there any way for us to find any information regarding this from him? I know he has recently posted that huge update where everything sounded great and he was really excited about Nic Cage in the role.

Welcome Darthhalen...and yes MSJ did contact me a while back. even told me who the villains were weeks before it was announced officially....gotta love that :)
i was thinking of PMing him but i have a good feeling that he wont be able to say anything on it right now. the best answer we might get is "we are still talking". contract negotiations are tricky...if something gets leaked (like payment or merchandise options) the whole deal can get blown. usually they try to keep that kind of stuff hush hush. its annoying as hell to us cuz we want to know how the talks are going...i think most of us are thinking of finding out where Cage is, grabbing him by the shirt collar and hysterically yelling "What the Hell are you waiting for FOOL?!!! Sign that damn contract!! Sign it!! Sign it now!!!!!" heh :D
but anyways...ill see what i can do. probably wouldnt hurt

[darthhalen]

Good luck with trying to get any info out of MSJ BIGGUN. Hope he says SOMETHING.
You know, I could really see some other actor in the role, such as Matthew M., but we're so close I don't want to see this movie delayed any further, or God forbid SCRAPPED! Cage must sign now DAMMIT!

[FlameHead]

Welcome to the hype. Glad to see some more Ghost Rider fans hangin' out. Drop by often, now you hear?

If this movie gets delayed any more, I'm going to lock myself in a rubber room. I'll have too.

MSJ, if you're around, readin' this stuff. Slap that boy around a little, get him to sign.

[RedIsNotBlue]

I just saw that Cage has just signed on for another movie called Next. Do you think this is a sign that he does not that anxious to sign on to Ghost Rider? Or not? State you thoughts in here.

[Hunter Rider]

Nope.If you read the same article i read you'll see that Next film's sometime summer 2005 and GR films Jan 2005 so he can do both.:)

Here's where i read it:

http://www.empireonline.co.uk/site/news/newsstory.asp?news_id=16363

[RedIsNotBlue]

Nope.If you read the same article i read you'll see that Next film's sometime summer 2005 and GR films Jan 2005 so he can do both.:)

Here's where i read it:

http://www.empireonline.co.uk/site/news/newsstory.asp?news_id=16363

Oh ok I didn't read that article. But still...if he signed on for the film that starts filiming at a later date and he still is tossing around the idea of doing Ghost Rider, don't you think that is kinda "you don't know what to think"?

[Hunter Rider]

Oh ok I didn't read that article. But still...if he signed on for the film that starts filiming at a later date and he still is tossing around the idea of doing Ghost Rider, don't you think that is kinda "you don't know what to think"?
A lot of actors have a number of films lined up at once but i do agree that Cage should stop messing us about and sign,hopefully Empires article is right b/c they seem to think he will sign as they actually interviewed him a couple of months back and he seemed ready. otherwise this project will return to development hell:mad:

[logan_weapon_x]

See i thought Cage had already signed GR, but i must've been wrong. Its just the idea i was getting with things starting to move forward on production.

[RedIsNotBlue]

It is just confusing maybe im just overthinking it. But to me if Cage is so excited about it he would have signed on by now. Come on Cage filming starts January hurry up!

[Nero_Ordin]

cage souned passionate about the movie before. i thin he'll play blaze no matter what the story is.

[FlameHead]

I don't know about that but I am confident that this script is good enough for Blaze to sign on... I mean for Nic to sign on for Blaze. The only thing he'll likely worry about is splitting the screen time with Ghost Rider... and money of course.

[BIGGUN]

This is sounding bad....
from Fairfax Digital

"Hollywood star Nicolas Cage says he might not shoot the big budget action film Ghost Rider in Australia.

It was thought Cage would be in Melbourne in January to make Ghost Rider, based on the popular Marvel comic series, but the Oscar winning actor confirmed today he was yet to commit to the project.

If Cage opted out, the film would likely not go ahead - a major blow to the Australian film industry and the Victorian government.

The American actor said he had nothing against shooting the movie in Australia but before he signed on he needed to resolve script issues and discrepancies about the vision for the film.

"I would be very happy if that happened and we made it in Australia," Cage said today.

Earlier at a press conference in Washington DC to promote his latest completed project, the action adventure movie National Treasure, Cage revealed Ghost Rider was not a certainty, although a scouting mission was currently taking place in Australia to check the location was suitable.

"It's something we're still talking about," Cage said.

"I know they're in Australia right now looking for locations so it's getting down to the wire. It's not definite yet."

The Australian film industry is keen to attract the $US40 million ($51.77 million) film after suffering a huge drop-off over the past two years in big budget Hollywood-funded movies being made in Australia.

The Victorian government also is desperate to have Ghost Rider made in the struggling Central City Studios in Melbourne's Docklands district.

Cage, the winner of the best actor Academy Award in 1995 for playing an alcoholic in the drama Leaving Las Vegas, is a comic book fan and has talked openly for years about playing the lead Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider, a circus motorcycle stuntman tricked by Satan into becoming the Spirit of Vengeance.

Cage also is entering preliminary discussions to be Superman and The Green Goblin in Spider-Man.

Today, he compared the Ghost Rider role to buying a piece of artwork by pop artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

"I've had a fascination with the comic book world," the 40-year-old Cage said.

"If it ever did happen, I would see it in my little way as like my Lichtenstein or my Warhol - my adventure into pop art. I would love to do that.

"I don't know if other people see it the same way, but that's how I would interpret it. Like a chance to draw some pop art." "

Jeeze....here we go again folks :mad: i shouldnt be suprised at this point...

some noteworthy things that concerns me...

"The American actor said he had nothing against shooting the movie in Australia but before he signed on he needed to resolve script issues and discrepancies about the vision for the film."

is the script that bad?! and the really really bad part....

If Cage opted out, the film would likely not go ahead - a major blow to the Australian film industry and the Victorian government

crap in a hat......at least they are still talking


EDIT:
noticed this too in the article:
"Cage also is entering preliminary discussions to be Superman and The Green Goblin in Spider-Man"

??? that is old old news....wondering how legit this recent interview was.
Man, i hate half assed interviewers...you can never be sure if you are getting real news or something thats already been reported only "spiced up" to increase readership...
i hope MSJ says something about this soon....ARGHHH!

[RedIsNotBlue]

Well this is how I feel. If Cage doesn't sign on by the time he needs to be then he doesn't really deserve the part. I know there most likely a lot of other actors who would sign on at the chance of playing Blaze. If he is so interested in being a part of the script he should have signed on a long time ago.

[Side-Winder]

Apparently he's selected his next project, which will go into production next summer. So who will play the title role in Ghost Rider?

http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/565/565885p1.html?fromint=1

[Side-Winder]

What about that Cole Hauser guy from "Paparazzi"? I don't know if he's that good of an actor though...

[FlameHead]

Please read the other related topics before starting a new thread. This is being discussed in one of the Nic Cage threads that have already been started here.

This one, mainly. http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147466

[mercureyx]

Cage has officially been signed :).

[BIGGUN]

THANK GOD.....

man....i was having some bad flashbacks of just a few months ago. Cage is signed...will shoot in spring of 03....wont shoot in sping of 03...will shoot GR after National Treasure.....wont shoot after NT...ect ect ect...
and i guess that his problems w/ the script are rumor as well? certainly hope so...

[FlameHead]

http://www.superherohype.com/news/ghostridernews.php?id=2220

Cage a Lock for Ghost Rider After All
Source: AAP
November 17, 2004


It looks like Nicolas Cage just didn't know he was allowed to say he was signed for Ghost Rider already when he did the press rounds for "National Treasure" last week, as publicist Fiona Searson told the AAP that there's no uncertainty about the production.

"The film will be made here and he (Cage) has signed a contract... They're due to start (filming) at the end of January and that's when they always were due to start and that's what they're working towards.

There's more on the project at the link above.

[FlameHead]

I'm a bad boy. I started a new thread on it...

[FlameHead]

I didn't see you guys talkin' here... and I was too excited... damn

[BIGGUN]

The good part is that he already signed the contract for his soul...errr...i mean for a ROLE in Ghost Rider. :D
sneaky bastard!

[FlameHead]

LOL. He probably sold his soul long ago to get the chance to play Ghost Rider.

[mercureyx]

I just saw Cage on Letterman, and I have to say, he looks REALLY thin. Like emaciated thin...I wonder what gives?

-Merc

[Hunter Rider]

Nic cage has signed the contract to play Ghost rider,apparently the reason he,didn't admit it at the PC the other day is b/c of a mix up,he thought ihe wasn't allowed to talk about it
More here:

http://entertainment.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4459,11413515%255E10431%255E%255Enbv,00.html

[Hunter Rider]

****!!! just noticed flame has already opened this thread,I just got excited when i saw the news and rushed to post it and in my half asleep state i missed the other thread.

Sorry flame i feel like a complete idiot:(

[The Lizard]

Oh well - so be it.

Cage just isn't right for the role IMO, but seeing GR himself on the big screen will be worth putting up with Cage's odd looks and acting style I suppose.

[Isildur´s Heir]

Like i said, i´m not mad that Cage has signed, i think Cage is one of the best actors out there, one of my favorites.
But he still doesn´t strike me as Johnny Blaze.

[Side-Winder]

You're a real idiot pal. It's "new" news, taken from yesterday. So shut your face. It's not already being talked about it's saying that he's signed for another movie that starts production in the summer. So bite me.

[Hunter Rider]

You're a real idiot pal. It's "new" news, taken from yesterday. So shut your face. It's not already being talked about it's saying that he's signed for another movie that starts production in the summer. So bite me.
first off CHILL !!!
Now that news was out last week and is in one of the other threads,Now don't go off on flame as he is one of the most reasonable guys on here and your childish outburst won't endear you to anyone as the GR forum is quite a tight little group.:)

[The Kryptonian]

You know one of the coolest things about Nicolas Cage, is that he changed his name to one of his favorite characters last name, Luke Cage. I think they mentioned that on a biography about him on TV. A&E I think it was.

I'm glad to see one actor out there that has love for a comic character and wants to see things get done right for the movie. I'll admit, Cage was not my first choice for Blaze, probably not a choice at all, but it's cool.

[MarvelMovies]

That puts that rumor to rest..

Glad that Cage is in over here...

[BIGGUN]

here is another article about it...also it says there are a few metal bands that really want to have their music in the film...
here is the link:
http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2004/nov/17cage.htm

and the article:

"Despite Nicolas Cage's seeming denial about the finality of his working on the Ghost Rider movie project last week, fears of fans have been laid to rest as news.com.au reported an official movie announcement that Cage has indeed been 'locked' for the role.


Ghost Rider, yet another big-screen Marvel comics adaptation, is slated to follow in the footsteps of recent massively successful predecessors like the Spider-Man and X-Men franchises. This is one of Marvel's most macabre titles, about a demonic motorcyclist who gives up his day persona of stunt biker, as well as his face, at night, to be replaced by a blazing skull and armed with relentless hellfire.

At best limited to a cult classic at its highest in the 1970s, the film will probably be a less mainstream release.


The film, set to shoot in Victoria, Australia, is the biggest feature film to be made in the country. Directed by Mark Steven Johnson, the project is set to employ 500 people over five months. The Columbia Pictures film will begin shooting in end January.


Cage will play the lead role of Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider, equipped with a CGI skull at night. The most promising thing to be anticipated about this project is the killer soundtrack, with metal bands from the most appropriate (Iron Maiden, Megadeth) to sadistic lyric-wailers (Sepultura, Godsmack) all expressing a curious interest to come aboard."

...now whether or not Mark wants them on the soundtrack is anyone's guess, but its certainly a hopeful sign..

[darthhalen]

Side-Winder, Dude somebody forgot their pills today, what's up?
I know, I know, you've just been stressed out about whether Cage will sign or not, but RELAX, everything's okay now.......It's gonna be alright.

[darthhalen]

Sweet find BIGGUN!!! Man, I really glad this got resolved quickly and we did'nt have to wait all the way into January to find out if he got signed.
Big Megadeth fan here and would love for them to be on the soundtrack, but doubt they will. I'm sure the powers that be will want more contemporary bands on the album. Oh well.

[MarvelMovies]

What the heck is with all the comotion in this thread?

First of all.. SW... don't but in acting like the big dog and call FH an idiot..

I know for a fact, he is a brilliant man, and a long time fan of Ghost Rider.. and along with me, has been following the movie with me VERY closely..

Next.. If you have read any threads in this forum, you would've find out (as FH tried to point out) that Cage is CONFIRMED to signing on to Ghost Rider and that filming will start at the end of January.. and continue through March or so.. so it's the first part of the year..

Last time I checked.. Summer and January.. different.

HR is right.. the Ghost Rider group is very "tight" and everybody knows everybody.. and I think all of us know the status of the Ghost Rider movie as it continues on..

The movie discussed in the IGN article will be Nic Cage's NEXT movie after Ghost Rider probably.. and the IGN crew should edit their articles.. seeing as how Cage is CONFIRMED..

Now, this thread should be closed.. done with.

[MarvelMovies]

I like Godsmack... Megadeth is a little too metal for me.. although I have some of their songs.. and Iron Maiden is just classic.

Haven't heard of Sepultura.. but if they're in the same parenthesis as Godsmack... how bad can they be?

:D

Nice find BIGGUN!

[BIGGUN]

not a problem dudes....
im sure there will be a compromise of sorts on the soundtrack....all i know is i want some classic 70s Black Sabbath (the good stuff w/ Ozzy!) in there somewhere. i would flip in my seat about 3x if i heard BS's Paranoid while GR is chasing down some thugs on a desert highway in the dead of night....i would probably break my back while doing it...but thats besides the point ..heh

[skorponok]

They can put whatever they want on the soundtrack as long as songs aren't used as score.

[FlameHead]

Welcome to the hype Side-Winder! Yay!

Thanks MM for the kind words.. and you're right, this thread should now be closed.

I wish I were a mod... or one of us regulars were anyway.

[FlameHead]

I just saw Cage on Letterman, and I have to say, he looks REALLY thin. Like emaciated thin...I wonder what gives?

-Merc

We were discussing that earlier. We think it could be because they plan on using his body as much as possible. As we all know, a skelaton is thin...

[Hunter Rider]

First off I am very happy that Cage has signed and not just cos it means the movie is back on track but also b/c i think he'll make a good blaze,If it had been Ketch i'd have said no but he's fine as blaze and will give the movie star clout when it comes to the budget.
Now though what about other casting ?
What other characters do you think will be added?
I'm just glad everything is moving again as things have went a bit quiet after the intial buzz over msj's Q&A post:)

[Hunter Rider]

Now, this thread should be closed.. done with.
Do the mods even look in the GR forum? as they shouldv'e merged all the cage threads by now.
I admit i'm guilty of starting one about cage signing when there was already one but i plead over enthusiasm at the news and missed it:)

[Marcus M.]

This is just great. A gay PG-13 Ghost rider film, with that old dude with the stupid Elvis voice Nicolas Cage playing Blaze...Great, just great.

[Hunter Rider]

This is just great. A gay PG-13 Ghost rider film, with that old dude with the stupid Elvis voice Nicolas Cage playing Blaze...Great, just great.where the F did this plodder come from ?
And I don't even get the gay thing:confused:


http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_18.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm22764GB) http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_18.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm22764GB) http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_18.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm22764GB)

[MarvelMovies]

SuperHero Hype! is the only mod assigned right now to the GR forum..

They may be waiting for further traffic and more people coming to the this forum.. before another speciality GR mod is appointed..

Maybe SHH is hoping we can solve our own problems since we are a small group as of now..

[The Kryptonian]

I still think that FlameHead or BIGGUN will be nominated. One of the two. They just seem right for it.

[FlameHead]

I'd gladly take on any duties they'd give me, as I'm sure BIGGUN would as well. MarvelMovies would make a great mod here too.

[BIGGUN]

I'd gladly take on any duties they'd give me, as I'm sure BIGGUN would as well. MarvelMovies would make a great mod here too.

yeah...MarvelM would be a good choice too.
how many other boards actually have mods other than the folks here at SHH? i only noticed a few ...like for the xmen and the superman boards.
if thats the case i really doubt the GR forum will need one...and hopefully if everyone remains civil to each other (or at least tries to :)) we could avoid needing a mod altogether

[FlameHead]

Yeah, that's true. We probably won't need one and I'm sure we can be civil. I would like to see some threads merged or moved though. I want to make this place a pretty one, ya know? Try to keep related conversations together and stuff, eh? That would be all we need a mod for... right now, anyway.

[FlameHead]

What's wrong with Elvis? Perhaps we'll see Ghost Rider shake some leg and drive all those ladies wild?

... I'm kidding, btw. Let it be known that I DO NOT want Ghost Rider to dance in anyway.

Hey, are you guys gonna support Nic Cage now that he's playing our favorite character? By that I mean go see National Tresure. I'm gonna... though it doesn't really look that appealling, I'm sorry to say. We'll see though.

[Hunter Rider]

What's wrong with Elvis? Perhaps we'll see Ghost Rider shake some leg and drive all those ladies wild?

... I'm kidding, btw. Let it be known that I DO NOT want Ghost Rider to dance in anyway.

Hey, are you guys gonna support Nic Cage now that he's playing our favorite character? By that I mean go see National Tresure. I'm gonna... though it doesn't really look that appealling, I'm sorry to say. We'll see though.
I'll be going to see national treasure as i'm a nic cage fan to start with and while it looks like "Indy-Lite" iv'e heard decent reports from test screenings.;)

[FlameHead]

I like Cage but, I'm not sure about that movie. It may be the trailers fault though. It didn't impress me. I'll watch it though, next movie I see in fact.

[MarvelMovies]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_18.gif

Haha..

That's awesome!

:D

[FlameHead]

Yup, I saved it to my Ghost Rider folder... like everyone I'm sure.

Seen National Treasure just then... and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I mean, I like it for what it was... light and disney like but, I just can't picture that many playin' Blaze. I'm sorry. Dont' get me wrong though, I'm rootin' for him. If he's a big a fan as he says he is, then I'm rootin' for him.

[BIGGUN]

havent seen NT yet but from the reviews they are saying Cage gives a rather lackluster performance. almost like he was bored doing the film. either the director didnt do a very good job at directing his actors or Cage was doing this just for a paycheck

for myself im going by Cage's previous roles to see if he could handle Blaze...and i think he can. i just hope he wont be "bored" on the set of GR...it would suck if he gives the same lackluster performance as he did in NT. that would sink the film if the audience cant believe the main character...

[Hunter Rider]

Thing with cage is he's versatile and i would look more to roles like Face/Off,Con Air and LLV to get a better rep on how he might do Blaze.Plus he really loves GR and that i am sure will make all the difference.

[The Flash]

I'll say this right off, I didn't want Nicolas Cage playing Blaze. Not the greatest choice. But if all this talk about him being a fan of GR is true, then I'll give him a chance for sure.

[BIGGUN]

Remember all that ruckus about Cage having problems w/ the script as to why he hasnt signed? think i found out the reason why....just another case of misquoting...
this is from an interview w/ Cage by Thomas Chau for cinema confidential,
http://www.cinecon.com/news.php?id=0411181

here are the questions related to GR:
Q: Have you tried out your “Ghost Rider” costume? What’s the status of that project?
NICOLAS: I haven’t. I am very curious about that, however. I am still in talks about that particular movie. It’s not a definite at this point.
of course now its revealed Cage didnt know he could blab to everyone he was signed....as someone mentioned before typical Hollywood goof up between the actor and the producers.

Q: Why has that project been in limbo for so long? What’s going through your mind about it right now?

NICOLAS: Again it’s really just the vision of the movie of how it will be portrayed. It really just talks about script and things like that. It’s true that I was involved with “Ghost Rider” over three years ago and was trying to develop it with another film director. These things are very sensitive and you have to hit it with a bull’s eye or it may not work. Its best for everyone to be cautious and to make sure it’s got the right [pieces].

the question was related to why all of the delays since 2001 when Goyer/Norrington were making it. NOT because of MSJ's recent script. if there were problems w/ the new script they must have already worked them out.

nothing earth shattering but interesting how sometimes someone can misquote a question and the entire meaning of an answer can change.

[darthhalen]

Man that makes much more sense and explains alot. Damn, some people just want to create a story where there isn't one.
For anybody that wants a great Nic Cage performance, I recommend "Matchstick Men."
I think his performance in this movie is one of his best. This movie really got me liking his acting again after a few movies that were lackluster for me.
Personally, I feel he will give a great performance in this movie.

[FlameHead]

By the way, I think this really should be in the misc movies section. It mentions Ghost Rider but is more about 'Next' and Cage...

Just a thought.

[FlameHead]

Matchstick Men was really good, I agree...

Welcome to the hype darthhalen, btw... join us in the Ghost Rider section as often as you please. We welcome good company.

I may have welcomed you already... but that's okay.

[RedIsNotBlue]

By the way, I think this really should be in the misc movies section. It mentions Ghost Rider but is more about 'Next' and Cage...

Just a thought.

Well it was already dying off until you posted again ...haha. And it was a question about Cage even having the time to play Ghost Rider but whatever.

[FlameHead]

True.

Twas very silly of me to pop it up I know. Just wanna keep the place clean, ya know?

[RedIsNotBlue]

True.

Twas very silly of me to pop it up I know. Just wanna keep the place clean, ya know?

Yeah I know its all good. :)

[MarvelMovies]

Another thread on if Cage is signed on / devoted to the Ghost Rider film..

To clear some things up..

1) Cage is OFFICIALLY signed on to play Johnny Blaze / Ghost Rider
2) Ghost Rider will film in January 2005 through around Spring 2005
3) AFTER Ghost Rider, Cage will film NEXT in the Summer 2005

Now, If only the message was given to everybody who came to the GR forum.. to start a new topic debating anyone of the above topics..

[MarvelMovies]

Thanks C. Lee for merging the threads.. (atleast, I think that's who it was).. and Hunter Rider for asking..

:)

[C. Lee]

You're welcome...I'm working at it.

[Hunter Rider]

You're welcome...I'm working at it.
Nice Work..Thanks:up:

[FlameHead]

Awesome thread mergin' action!

[The Flash]

I think Nicolas Cage is one of the greatest actors out there. He's one of my favorites.

I said before that I didn't want him to play Ghost Rider, but I'm willing to give him a chance. If he really does have love for the Ghost Rider character, and really wants to do things right with this movie, then I'm all for it. But I still would've went with someone else for the role.

Just because he's a fan of the character, doesn't mean he's right for the role. Look at Ben Affleck as Daredevil.

[FlameHead]

I don't think Ben was a huge fan of DareDevil, like Nic is. Plus, I don't think Ben did a horrible job in the movie. You just have to forget who he is and let him be Matt Murdock for a while.

The thing is, no matter who you put in a role where expectations are high, you're gonna have doubts. It's happened with every comic book movie to date. When the name is mentioned whose playing the lead role, everyone immidediatly has doubts. I say, let's give him a chance. If he ****s it up for us, then we'll crap on him. Until then, let's keep an open mind... for a fellow Ghost Rider fan, I think he deserves our support.

[MarvelMovies]

http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/the_weather_man

This movie looks Friggin' BRILLIANT!

"People don't throw stuff at me anymore... maybe it's because I carry a bow!"

HAHHAH

I laughed my toosh off that line.. that is the stuff that makes a movie go from meh.. to WOAH WOAH WOAH!

Nic Cage looks like he's 30.. and back to his day of prime..

National Treasure.. Weather Man.. and Ghost Rider..

The man knows how to pick 'em..

This movie is about an ordinary man.. but looks to be so much more..

Garden State was like this, and to me.. that's the 2nd best movie of all time (Shawshank Redemption would be #1 for me) :D

Anyways.. at first I thought this movie was just getting in the way of Ghost Rider, but the truth is.. it's a great thing it did..

Went from Norrington and Goyer to MSJ and Cage (going to coming off 2 big hits.. since NT was a hit, and now WM will be a for sure hit)..

:D

Excellent how things turned out.

[Killswitch]

Does anyone have a picture of Nicholas Cage, wherein he looks REMOTELY like a tough biker?

What is the look you'd like him to adopt in the movie?

PICS, please!

[KingOfDreams]

http://www.hokutonoken.it/cinema/nicolas%20cage-rey.jpg

[ms.marvelous]

but... will we see his face throughout the majority of the movie? I dont' really know much about ghost rider, but isnt he a flaming skull mostly?

[BIGGUN]

but... will we see his face throughout the majority of the movie? I dont' really know much about ghost rider, but isnt he a flaming skull mostly?

yes, GR has a flaming skull...or to be more precise a fiery skeleton in biker leather that rides a Hellcycle. so if MSJ is true to the book there shouldnt be a hint of Cage's face on the skull. Goyer tried that in his 2001 script for GR....and it was a horrible idea.
i cant say if Cage will be human for most of film but i would assume so. i just hope GR will have more screen time than what they did for the Hulk in 2003.

[The Lizard]

http://www.hokutonoken.it/cinema/nicolas%20cage-rey.jpg

Unfortunately, Cage looks like this these days: http://www.variety.com/graphics/photos/mugc/cage_nicolas3.jpg

[ms.marvelous]

just hope GR will have more screen time than what they did for the Hulk in 2003.

true that :p

[Xan-El]

http://www.hokutonoken.it/cinema/nicolas%20cage-rey.jpg

I hope he looks like that!

[tecnowraith]

http://topcelebrity2.free.fr/cage9.jpg comparisons
http://pc59te.dte.uma.es/cdb/series/marvel/bitmaps/blaze.jpg

[krizzzle]

too bad he's a 40 something balding horrible actor....... man i would have liked an unknown way more than him .....* sigh * Ghost Rider does not deserve this kinda ****

[FlameHead]

The pic of Blaze makes me wonder if Cage is going to have long hair or not... and will it be a wig or not? Hmmm.

[Spider-Kurt]

http://topcelebrity2.free.fr/cage9.jpg comparisons
http://pc59te.dte.uma.es/cdb/series/marvel/bitmaps/blaze.jpg
That's a pretty good one. I still would rather my original pick,Paul Walker to play JB/GR.Ih well,we'll see how things turn out.

[KingOfDreams]

Paul Walker is a horrible actor. :down

[LordSimen]

Could anyone perhaps photoshop some skulls onto these pictures? =P

[The Lizard]

The pic of Blaze makes me wonder if Cage is going to have long hair or not... and will it be a wig or not? Hmmm.

I think a wig is pretty much a neccessity for Cage at this point.

[Luke Cage]

Man i dont know i am worried about this flick , i think they should have gpot someone else besides Nick cage

[Saint]

You guys are crazy. Cage kicks ass. I too, am concerned about his look, but that can be rectified by the make-up/costume people. Moreover, the man definitely has the acting chops to pull it off.

[The Incredible Hulk]

too bad he's a 40 something balding horrible actor....... man i would have liked an unknown way more than him .....* sigh * Ghost Rider does not deserve this kinda ****


yeah Cage is such a **** actor, and he's got the Oscar to prove it... :rolleyes:

[The Lizard]

yeah Cage is such a **** actor, and he's got the Oscar to prove it... :rolleyes:

But Cage doesn't win Oscars for his performances in action films. That is when he's at his most downright annoying. Might I suggest a quick viewing of Con-Air or The Rock as reminders. "What in the name of Zeus' butthole?!?" Yeah that's pure gold right there.

[guitarsingerguy]

But Cage doesn't win Oscars for his performances in action films. That is when he's at his most downright annoying. Might I suggest a quick viewing of Con-Air or The Rock as reminders. "What in the name of Zeus' butthole?!?" Yeah that's pure gold right there.

I'm sure he begged the director to put that line in there himself right? I'm just as worried as the rest of you on this one, but let's at least give it a chance and wait until we get a trailer to pass judgement.

[Night]

Nick Cage is an awesome actor and we are lucky to have him, whether you like it or not. He will play the role.

[The Incredible Hulk]

But Cage doesn't win Oscars for his performances in action films. That is when he's at his most downright annoying. Might I suggest a quick viewing of Con-Air or The Rock as reminders. "What in the name of Zeus' butthole?!?" Yeah that's pure gold right there.


So you think he writes his own dialogue? :confused:

[The Lizard]

So you think he writes his own dialogue? :confused:

I think he's given a certain lattitude in the delivery and yes, maybe even the wording, of some of his lines in such films.

Nic Cage is a big name who's related to even bigger names in Hollywood, so the idea that he gets to run wild with some of his "less serious" roles is not beyond the realm of possiblity.

I just hope his supposed respect for the GR character causes him to keep his quirkiness in check, since he's the most influential name attached to the project.

[LordSimen]

Con Air and The Rock were awesome movies. :(

[AmerikazMostWanted]

I made this with nick cages eyes

http://img213.exs.cx/img213/237/ghost_rider.jpg

[FlameHead]

LOL. That's scary, in an extreamly funny way.

put it this way,

cage is a box office draw,

his last movie national treasure was a big hit,

you can bet your mortgage on Ghost Rider being a big hit because of Cage,

and thats a good think,

Cage is a great actor, and he's up for the role,

not many actors are prepared to do Comic book movies,

for example Ben Affleck, even though Daredevil grossed big money, he's not really interested in making more,

unlike Christian Bale, who will undoubtedly do more Batman flicks, as well as Brandon Routh, who will do more Superman movies.
another example, Wesley Snipes, with 3 Blade movies,

believe in ghost Rider!

I wanted to stand up and give you an ovation for this post. We believe, my friend. We believe.

I'm so happy that National treasure did so well. I hope Weatherman does just as good. Any success for Cage at this point will only help this Ghost Rider movie.

[RedIsNotBlue]

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Oscar winner Nicolas Cage (news) and his wife of nearly seven months are expecting a child, the actor's publicist said on Tues.


It would be Cage's second child and his first with his current wife, the former Alice Kim, his spokeswoman told Reuters. No due date was given.

The 41-year-old actor and his bride, whose pregnancy was first reported by the syndicated TV show "Access Hollywood," met at a nightclub last year before marrying on July 30, 2004. She is a former waitress about 20 years his junior.

Cage, who won an Academy Award as best actor for his role as an alcoholic bent on drinking himself to death in "Leaving Las Vegas," already has a son by a prior relationship with actress Kristina Fulton.

His previous marriages to actress Patricia Arquette (news) and singer Lisa Marie Presley (news) ended in divorce.

Cage, the nephew of famed director Francis Ford Coppola, recently began shooting the film "Ghost Writer" in Australia. He was last in theaters starring in the action adventure "National Treasure."

Reuters/VNU

[Reaper]

Cage, the nephew of famed director Francis Ford Coppola, recently began shooting the film "Ghost Writer" in Australia. He was last in theaters starring in the action adventure "National Treasure."

Reuters/VNU

So he's filming 2 movies in Australia right now??

No but seriously, I extend congratulations to Cage and Wife.

[RedIsNotBlue]

So he's filming 2 movies in Australia right now??

No but seriously, I extend congratulations to Cage and Wife.

No just one. Ghost Rider. I posted this news story because I was curious on how it might affect his schedule and what others thought. Oh yeah...and also the guy who wrote it called the movie "Ghost Writer." Hahahaha.

[MarvelMovies]

Ghost Writer..

You mean that old show that was on TV about that crack squad of genius kids and their note book..

:(

Wow..

Anyways..

Congratulations NIC and ALICE~!!

[RedIsNotBlue]

Ghost Writer..

You mean that old show that was on TV about that crack squad of genius kids and their note book..

:(

Wow..

Anyways..

Congratulations NIC and ALICE~!!

Yeah. Almost as bad as when another writer called Batman Begins Batman Returns. :o

[BIGGUN]

No just one. Ghost Rider. I posted this news story because I was curious on how it might affect his schedule and what others thought. Oh yeah...and also the guy who wrote it called the movie "Ghost Writer." Hahahaha.

well a harty congrats go out to both Nic and his wife...hes gonna have his hands full in about 9 months...heh.

as far as affecting his schedule i dont think it will....at least while hes filming. they are shooting until early June. there may be a few re-shoots after that but they should be fairly quick. thier baby will already be a few months old by the time the movie opens. i can even see them bringing thier kid to the premiere dressed in a baby-sized leather jacket w/ a big fiery skull on the back..lol

[FlameHead]

Congrats to Nic and wife indeed... and I agree with Biggun, I doubt it'll interfere with anything. Ghost Writer (hehe) will be made without a hitch (when it comes to his baby anyway...)

[Retroman]

Congrats to Nic and child. Hope he or she is a healthy when coming into this world.

[GraveDigger]

Oh no!!! He did realize that he's making a movie, Right?! Now he's going to be all bloated and cranky during filming. There's going to be a flaming head up top and breaking water down under!

lol, j/k!

[FlameHead]

“One of the things that I really love too is that Nic Cage is really obsessed with Ghost Rider. Do you know this? He has a Ghost Rider tattoo on his arm,” she laughed. We did actually, but it would have been rude to mention it, so onwards… “So what that does for me is it provides me with much excitement, because when you're working with someone who's so passionate, especially someone at the level of Nic Cage - I've been wanting to work with him for so long, I think he's just genius – that’s exciting to me. This is somebody's dream, you know? It's great to be part of that.”

This gives me a little more hope for Nic. It's only a good thing that he's obsessed with this character. My previous notions that he's not right for the job have almost completly disapeared.

By the way, that was in the empire mag interview with Eva.
http://www.superherohype.com/news/ghostridernews.php?id=2637

[FlameHead]

Awesome pic of cage...
http://www.theactorscafe.com/newsletters/cage.jpg

... which was found on this page: http://www.comics2film.com/FanFrame.php?f_id=11869

... which was pointed out to me by Jester J of the hype. Thanks!

[RedIsNotBlue]

Cage on Ghost Rider
"It's like Evel Knievel meets Faust."
March 23, 2005 - The April/May issue of Giant Magazine features an interview with Nicolas Cage wherein the Oscar-winner talks about his life, career and his next project, the big-screen version of Ghost Rider.

"I'm going to Australia at the end of the month to finally see what it's like playing a comic-book character in a movie," Cage said at the time. "I'm playing Ghost Rider, who is the Marvel superhero who sold his soul to the devil to save his [adoptive] father's life. He turns into the devil's minion, and at night he goes and tries to bring back whatever innocent blood has been spilled. It's what I like to think of as my pop art drawing.

"I was a fan of the image, the iconography of the character. He was for bikers what the Silver Surfer was for surfers. I grew up perplexed by the nature of the story, which, when you think about it, is classical and quite complicated for a comic book. It's like Evel Knievel meets Faust."

Ghost Rider is now filming for a 2006 release.

[FlameHead]

Nice find Retro... as always. Seems like that's an old article though. He talks about going to Australia "next month" and I do remember him saying that the GR storyline was a cross between Faust and Knievel before. Of course, when an Actor starts promoting or talking about a movie they are curretnly in they may say the same things 5000 times. I mean, there is only so much you can say and these people get interviewed or talked to more than most can imagine.

I'd like to read the rest of the article though...

[RedIsNotBlue]

Nice find Retro... as always.

Get the name right, pal. :unishr:

[FlameHead]

Damn. Right. Sorry about that Red. My bad.

[RedIsNotBlue]

Haha...it's all good man.

[FlameHead]

Good, Good.

These articles are great but, I can't wait until we see him talking about the movie and character in an interview or something. I want to see that passion that everyone is always talkin' about... and I want to see that Ghost Rider Tattoo that he has.

[sexysheila]

This is the only picture I could find of the GR tat. On his other arm is a tiger.

http://www.beingcharliekaufman.com/index.htm?movies/adaptation.htm&2

Sheila
:unishr:

[sexysheila]

Sorry. Scroll down to the article that's called "This Is Not A Celebrity Interview" and click on that. There is a picture of Nicolas with Meryl Streep.

[BIGGUN]

Yup! there it be....the classic skull in flames.
the article is actually called "This Is Not A Celebrity Profile"..just so people wont get confused :)

will try and crop it and post it soon...

[BIGGUN]

okay....
lessee if this works.....and for the 1st time here on this site, a good look at the infamous Ghost Rider tattoo...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/BIGGUN2/cagetattoo.jpg

[FlameHead]

I have no idea it was that big!! How have I not seen that before? They must cover it up in most movies he's in because I would have definatly noticed something like that. Hmm.. . could you see it in Con-Air I wonder?

Awesome job there BG. Thanks for cropin' and postin' here.

[BonitaMassacre]

I dunno if this was mentioned b4 but won't Nic Cage's presence be only in the first quarter of the movie and the rest be all voiceover, stuntdouble and CGI. Right? So, we'll hardly even see him on screen.

oh and when Ghost Rider talks, does his jaw move?

[crystal_flame6]

I'm fairly sure that besides the first 20 or so mins. Nic will be in the film as JB. After all Johnny changes into Ghost Rider and Ghost Rider can't really sneak around and get information with his flaming skull, can he? I don't really know if GR's jaw will move when he talks or not (I think not) but only MSJ knows for sure.

[Exabyte]

look just like any other superhero movie. there will be time devoted to both..

[BonitaMassacre]

I'm not too familiar with Ghost Rider. But can he just change into Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider whenever he wants?

[skorponok]

He won't be Ghost Rider the entire time...

Plus, he'll also be there for scenes AS Ghost RIder as well...

[blades_shades]

This isn't the hellcycle or Ghost Rider. It's pre-demon form.

http://www.netwhatever.com/weblog/vento/images/filme05.jpg

[MarvelMovies]

B_S...

Can you host the image on www.ImageShack.us or somewhere else..

The bandwidth appears to have been exceeded for the image..

:D

[blades_shades]

http://www.netwhatever.com/weblog/vento/images/filme05.jpg

[GREEN =w= DAY]

http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2005/04/22/inside-comingatt-ghostrider.jpg
looks awesome :up:

[Mononoke]

He looks a lot younger...
Koooooooooooooooooooooool. Great find!

[GREEN =w= DAY]

i know. i had my doubts at first about Nic, but he looks great even though i've always pictured someone like Johnny Depp as Ghost Rider. Nic is a hell if an actor and i think he'll do a great job.

[War Lord]

That's not the Johnny Blaze I know. Cage looks like a druggie.

[Mononoke]

He looks pissed off about something...doesn't look like a druggie to me. But then again I never got to read the comics, I'm still a newbie.
Can't wait to see what everyone else thinks.

[War Lord]

He looks pissed off about something...doesn't look like a druggie to me. But then again I never got to read the comics, I'm still a newbie.
Can't wait to see what everyone else thinks.

The boniness of the cheeks often indicate long-term use of drugs. Probably due to extremely low-fat content because of long sleepless nights.

[Mononoke]

...Since I have no idea about whether or not that's true, I'm not going to start a fight over it. I'm just going to leave an opinion. Personally, I like it.
To the comic fans: I wasn't insinuating that comic book JB looked like a drug addict. Sorry if I offended anyone, didn't mean to!

[Joseph_Freefall]

Meh. Not liking that pic, myself. He does look like a druggie. But then again, I'm a Ghost Rider newbie, really.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/2005-04-21-coming-attractions_x.htm

He's directing only his third film, but Mark Steven Johnson has learned the secret to luring A-list talent to his movies: Offer them comic-book characters.

That's how he nabbed Ben Affleck for 2003's Daredevil, and it worked again in attracting Nicolas Cage for the lead in Ghost Rider, due Aug. 4, 2006.

"Most of these guys are comic-book geeks like me," Johnson says from Melbourne, Australia, where he is shooting the story of Johnny Blaze (Cage), a biker who sells his soul to the devil to save his girlfriend and then struggles with his demonic side, aka Ghost Rider. "Nic is one of the biggest fans of the comic book out there."

So big, in fact, that the actor sports a tattoo of the Ghost Rider's flaming skull on his arm. Makeup artists had to cover it for the film. Says Johnson: "The irony is we had to remove Nic's Ghost Rider so he could play Ghost Rider."

[War Lord]

...Since I have no idea about whether or not that's true, I'm not going to start a fight over it. I'm just going to leave an opinion. Personally, I like it.
To the comic fans: I wasn't insinuating that comic book JB looked like a drug addict. Sorry if I offended anyone, didn't mean to!

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying Cage is a druggie. He just looks like one in that picture.

I can see it working with the movie anyhow.

[Mononoke]

Don't worry jonty, no misunderstanding. Truthfully I have no idea about the whole boney-cheeks thing, I'm only fourteen! And I agree it works with the movie - he looks like he hasn't had a decent sleep/meal in a while.

[Abe]

yeah, if you were carrying the spirit of vengeance inside you and had the souls of the victims inside your noggen you'd be losing some sleep too!
but damn, i love it! the photo looks great. whew! ole` and all!
now, as for Superman? i think it looks good, but their cutting it a new a$$***e over on the superman message board!

[The Guardian]

I LIKE THE PIC, IT LOOKS LIKE HE'S LOOKING AT SOMEONE WHO PISSED HIM OF AND IS GETTING READY TO UNLEASH HELL!:D :ghost:



http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2005/04/22/inside-comingatt-ghostrider.jpg

[PaleRider]

he does look alot different (Nic Cage compared to what he usually looks like) I like pic. I'm alittle more optimistic about this. I'm still leaning towards the negative though.

[Mononoke]

Good description Guardian!
Wonder why MSJ didn't come on and say we'd get a pic? Working on the film, yes, I know, but still... It may only be Johnny Blaze to some people, but it's still pretty big. In my opinion at least. :)

[Thunder Emperor]

he looks great, i am actually excited to see this movie. at least he is much better than the news superman suit.

[josh8]

the pic looks good. but the first thing that came to my mind:

Nic Cage got a WEAVE!!!!

seriously, where'd that hair come from??

[Hunter Rider]

he looks great, i am actually excited to see this movie. at least he is much better than the news superman suit.
never seen you in this section before:up:
Anyway pic looks good,he looks much younger than i thought he would

[Hunter Rider]

http://www.netwhatever.com/weblog/vento/images/filme05.jpg

Cool pic:up: only thing is he's wearing a trench coat and seems to have blonde hair which goes agains the other pics weve seen.Also is that a cop pointing a gun at him ?

[psycho]

I dont know much about Ghost rider but I've always thought he was a cool character and I like the way Cage looks in that pic.

[psycho]

http://www.netwhatever.com/weblog/vento/images/filme05.jpg

Cool pic:up: only thing is he's wearing a trench coat and seems to have blonde hair which goes agains the other pics weve seen.Also is that a cop pointing a gun at him ?
I think that the guy in the trench coat is someone else and Cage is the one on the left side.

[sikkbones]

can i see him with a burning head now?

[Hunter Rider]

I think that the guy in the trench coat is someone else and Cage is the one on the left side.

oooopppsss:D your exactly right *duh slaps self* there's no gun in the hand and nic is the guy on the left:up:

[RedIsNotBlue]

Looks great! For some reason I knew we would get a Ghost Rider and Superman pic the same day. Biggun...Flamehead?

[emi]

the pic looks good. but the first thing that came to my mind:

Nic Cage got a WEAVE!!!!

seriously, where'd that hair come from??

Yup, he's wearing a wig. Anyway, good pic.

[Cole Burns]

I'm wrapped with this pic, if that's not a stare of penance I don't know what is.
My idea on the "waif look" is maybe it's to make parts of his skull (and general facial bone structure) more prominent. This could help to match up Cage's face with the CGI Ghost Rider skull later in the film.

[Isildur´s Heir]

Soooooo....they want to make the Ghost Rider movie without make-up or CGI for the skull? :confused: :p
Because Nic Cage already looks like a skull in that pic....yeah, the man does look like a druggie.

Nicolas Cage is a wonderful actor and will make a great job at it, but that´s not Blaze...unless he is a drug addict in the movie...

[Kmack]

He looks younger:eek:. . .and HOT:D

[NecroManiac]

If boney=Druggy then Johnny Deep must be stoned 24/7 :)

He looks bad-ass :ghost:

[InVictus]

When i'm sixty i want to go to the same hair stylist o_o
He looks almost twenty years younger O_O
A little bit like Zoolander, but for me it's okay.
The age showed in the movie was my greater doubt, now even that has been washed away.
Holy cow!His hair style recalls a little Danny Ketch!

[The Lizard]

http://img243.echo.cx/img243/9619/cageblaze8sr.jpg

Thanks to Hollywood hair and makeup, so far so good. Now if Cage can avoid the dorky action-hero acting styles he cultivated in Con Air, The Rock, and American Treasure, we just might be in business.

[BIGGUN]

Great pic!
Cage looks rather ticked off....which is fine for the character. while i will admit he looks different than the comic version its a look that i approve of.
looks very cool w/ dark hair and sunken cheeks...happy he lost that weight that he had from Treasure and Weatherman.
and i agree RedisnotBlue...its rather "suspicious" about the pic releases.

[Fatkid8me]

Does any one have a picture of the Johnny Blaze the comic version?

[demento]

Wow, Skeletor is playing Ghost Rider? Excellent casting!

[spider-jide]

http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2005/04/22/inside-comingatt-ghostrider.jpg
looks awesome :up:


He looks badass, younger, has hair. Cant wait to see him with a flamed skull.

[demento]

He looks badass, younger, has hair. Cant wait to see him with a flamed skull.

Uh, that ain't hair -- it's a chinchilla.

[dda-182]

I think he looks bada$$.

As someone already mentioned it will matchup with the skeleton fx real good but i think it works in the whole vengence/hardcore kind of way. Just happy we didn't get another standing character shot as our first glimpse.

I'm actually getting pretty excited for this.

[4NutzinYoface]

Looks cool to me! :)

[ThatOneGuy]

That pic looks great...

[Wonderman]

Cage is known for doing ANYTHING to look and become the character he's taken on. I highly doubt he's a druggie but the no sleep and self-loathing/deprivation hollow cheek look is probably EXACTLY the look he was going for...ie...meaning....he's probably living on 3 slimfast drinks a day, exercising like a madman and going for no sleep to achieve the tortured look.

As I said before....Cage BECOMES the character, no matter what it takes.

[Kable24]

He does look a lot younger there and a guy who's going over the edge. So far some awesome pics of the movie. Can't wait to see GR himself!!

[HighVoltage]

http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2005/04/22/inside-comingatt-ghostrider.jpg
looks awesome :up:

I can´t Believe it.This is a dream?:eek:

We have Nic Cage(My favorite actor)as Johnny Blaze:ghost: in MARVEL UNIVERSE.

Bravo!!!!:up: :up:

[EternalMaster]

It looks pretty good. They definitely made him look younger. I'm sure he'll do good as Blaze.

[crystal_flame6]

Damn that is a good picture. If that is what Johnny looks like, I can't what to see GR.

[crystal_flame6]

It is just the scene where JB is telling M to leave him alone.

[RedIsNotBlue]

Does any one have a picture of the Johnny Blaze the comic version?

He looks more like Ketch than Blaze. I think MSJ just took the best of both characters and combined them.

Ketch
http://jaredgood1.20m.com/thumb/ketch.jpg

Blaze
http://pc59te.dte.uma.es/cdb/series/marvel/bitmaps/blaze.jpg

[Hunter Rider]

Excellent examples Red:up: well this pic is being recieved better than the supersuit by a long way,lets hope the Full GR pic is as successful:ghost:

[RedIsNotBlue]

well this pic is being recieved better than the supersuit by a long way,lets hope the Full GR pic is as successful:ghost:

Ehhh well I don't know about that. I think I have seen at least 5 or 6 people already say Cage looks like a druggie or has some other joking comment. But I think he looks the part and just looks great. Can't wait to see the full flamehead. :ghost:

[Hunter Rider]

Ehhh well I don't know about that. I think I have seen at least 5 or 6 people already say Cage looks like a druggie. But I think he looks the part and just looks great. Can't wait to see the full flamehead. :ghost:

trust me ive been in the superboards all day ,the few druggie comments are mild compared to the venom in there

[RedIsNotBlue]

Well the Superman pic also has a thread with 80 some pages...haha. But honestly I do not see why people are talking **** about this pic...he looks badass.

[Hunter Rider]

I agree , a great ketch/blaze crossover look and fierce eyes are perfect for GR

[FlameHead]

I really like what I see here. I have to agree with those who say he looks like Ketch more than Blaze. I think that's what I love about it so much. Maybe there's more of Ketch's spirit in the movie than I thought... of course, I don't want to jump to any conclusions.

I'd be super happy with a movie that used the original story in the 90's look.

Cage looks great!

I'm so excited.

*BOOM*

I just blowed up.

[portland2002]

I would have preferred Johnny Depp.

[crystal_flame6]

How come I don't have that good of looking guys around here!?

[Sava]

Nic Cage looks awesome .. i'm really looking forward to this now

[Hunter Rider]

How come I don't have that good of looking guys around here!?

are you a girl Crystal flame ?

[crystal_flame6]

Yes, I am a girl.

[Hunter Rider]

Yes, I am a girl.

cool,i didnt mean anything by that ive just never met any female GR fans before:up:

[crystal_flame6]

I was introduced to GR by my uncle who is a fan of him and has some of the comics, but he lives a ways a way from me. I have only seen the comics on internet (someplaces you can read parts of comics) or in specalty stores were they want a lot of money for them and have them wraped up so you can't read them. Hopefully that will change this September but my knowledge of GR is taken from the websites I have been at and my Marvel Knights Encyclopedia.

[Hunter Rider]

^^^^ same with me ive got my knowledge on the character from the MK encyclopedia and the net and Flamehead and BIGGUN have been really helpful with lots of pics and info.I'm hoping that when we get closer to the release the GR books will be re-released in TPB form in the way the sin city ones have been

[Frank Ryder]

First of all the pic does look great, Nic totally looks bad @$$, however hasn't it dawned on anyone that Blaze is blond, I mean yeah he does look cool but its almost too reminiscent of Tom Jane as the Punisher. I mean everyones' sayin its great he looks like Kecth, but whats wrong with you people hes not Ketch is Johnny Blaze. And besides the 90's Ghost Rider was so lame, the old school 70's version was so much better. :unishr: :ghost:

[crystal_flame6]

I remember MSJ saying that the movie would combine both Johnny and Dan elements. Plus short hair is easier under a helmet and when you are doing tricks. You can also see Nic's facial expressions better.

[Frank Ryder]

frankly as someone who rides, most bikers these days, even the old, golf playing, mid-life crisis, big harley buyin, old geezers dont even wear helmets

[Frank Ryder]

and seesin how GR is practically the devil incarnate i dont think he'll need to worry about road rash if he wrecked his bike

[crystal_flame6]

But JB does and he needs a helmet for his stunt shows.
They are releasing a new strand of Ghost Rider comics this September. It would be fun if they re-released the old comics and did all of them again without changing anything.

[CaptainStacy]

Awesome. I was initially very outspoken AGAINST Cage getting cast in the role of Blaze, but this picture convinces me i was wrong.

I already know he's a good actor. Now i see he'll have a cool "look" for the movie as well.

[crystal_flame6]

MSJ said that Nic is an excellent Johnny Blaze and Ghost Rider.

[zeptron]

I was hoping we'll see him with the flaming skull. Picture looks cool.

[Abe]

this whole blonde vs dark hair debate is kind of interesting, as everyone has written some valid points on both sides.
wait til the dvd comes out because you never know, there might be behind the scenes costume designs. i'm thinking of blade 2 here where damaskinos had the blonde wig, but opted for the bald look rather than look like michael bolton (I celebrate the guy's entire catalogue).
maybe the costume designer tried the blonde look for Nic and it just didn't go over well, so they settled on the current look?
who knows, but as i said, it's an interesting debate.
"you know, you can just call me Mike." hahahaha. :)

[Hartigan]

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/images/smilies/ghostrider.gif Let Me SEE HIM IN FLAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111http://www.superherohype.com/forums/images/smilies/ghostrider.gif

[Mister Sinister]

Really wierd. The first official Superman and the first official Ghost Rider pics are released. The Ghost Rider one is better. WTF?

[panzertank]

Not that I'm angry or anything, but doesn't his hairstyle remind you guys of ben in daredevil. the kind or scruffed up look. I don't know why I thought of that, must be the MSJ thing, but o well. Looks good. yeah and the superman boards are flaming :ghost: right now, see what I did there, hahaha...funny. Can't wait for this movie, both bike and nic look sweet.

[crystal_flame6]

I can't wait to see what else they release. I wonder if it will be a poster, part of the script, or another picture.

[DarkKnightJRK]

Not that I'm angry or anything, but doesn't his hairstyle remind you guys of ben in daredevil. the kind or scruffed up look. I don't know why I thought of that, must be the MSJ thing, but o well. Looks good. yeah and the superman boards are flaming :ghost: right now, see what I did there, hahaha...funny. Can't wait for this movie, both bike and nic look sweet.

Yeah, I can see a resembelance, hair-wise. I remember MSJ saying in the DD commentary that he made Affleck's hair like that to add a bit of "anime" influence. Maybe that's what he's kind-of going with here?

By the way, when will we see a bigger picture of this?

[Fantastic-Boy]

He looks so lean on this pic.

[Chris Wallace]

He looks more like a slightly older Ketch than Blaze.

[Wonderman]

How friggin bizarre. My damn dog is named Panzertank!

Not that I'm angry or anything, but doesn't his hairstyle remind you guys of ben in daredevil. the kind or scruffed up look. I don't know why I thought of that, must be the MSJ thing, but o well. Looks good. yeah and the superman boards are flaming :ghost: right now, see what I did there, hahaha...funny. Can't wait for this movie, both bike and nic look sweet.

[eddy]

I think he looks great. Way better than that ****ty Superman pic.

Can they even show us a pic of Johnny in flaming skull mode? I thought htat was going to be CGI. :ghost:

[DarkKnightJRK]

I think they will have Cage performing GR stuff on set in a blue-suit type dealie for two reasons:

1. It give the actors on screen with him someone to interact with.
2. You can get a little of Nic's performence as GR into the final model.

[Jolie_Desastre]

oh d*** i'm glad i checked before i posted this pic. I think he looks great and HOT! did they put hair extentions on him?

[DieselPower]

I think when he has sold his soul to the devil...and he gets the flaming skull...Nic Cages acting limitations will probably be similar to Andy Serkis' (Gollum/Smeagol) in LOTR.

[skorponok]

That's not the Johnny Blaze I know. Cage looks like a druggie.

YOU ACTUALLY KNOW BLAZE?!??!?! :eek:;)