ASK MSJ (The Complete History)

[theescapeclause]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I didn't see it anywhere. I know the movie is a mixture of the Blaze and Ketch stories, but I was wondering if there are any shots in the movie that are directly taken from the comics. I know the scene in Spiderman 2 where he throws the costume in the trash is pretty much framed just like it is in the comics. And obviously Sin City was all shot using the comics as storyboards. So, without giving too much away, can we expect any shots from the comics?

 

[hellfiremaster]

c'mon.. a little sumptin'...

HFM

 

[GothicPowerMix1]

Over MSJs dead body

 

[Casius--J]

yeah man some more footage would ne nice!!

 

[FlameHead]

Hey Mark, how many times have you reinvented this movie since you began production... since you finished production for that matter. This ample time to tweak the movie must be pretty sweet.

 

[Uncanny Orb]

MSJ I was wondering what made you go with the brownish skull instead of white? Will there be any test footage shown on the DVD of the white skull?

 

[BIGGUN]

Here are 4; 2 of which are relating to the merchandise:

1. Will Blaze's 1st change into GR be as an older man (Cage) or will you infer that Blaze has been GR before when he was younger?
2. Any possibility that in the flashback scene involving a young Johnny Blaze that he might be wearing something similar to the classic 70's "blue" leather jumpsuit?
3. Any news if the video game is still planned to be released at the same time w/ the movie?
4. Also Toy Biz will no longer be producing Marvel characters after 2006 w/ Hasbro taking up the job for 2007 and beyond. Do you know if the sculpted Toy Biz line will be used by Hasbro or will they start over w/ a line of their own?

 

[FlameHead]

Hey Mark, how many times have you reinvented this movie since you began production... since you finished production for that matter. This ample time to tweak the movie must be pretty sweet.

Oooh, and in addition to this; have any new CGI scenes been developed since post production began? Perhaps scenes that you didn't think you had time for but, now are doable?

 

[FlameHead]

Okay, I had way to much time on my hands today and far too much energy to spare. I've gone ahead and cleaned the thread up, seperating unanswered questions and answered ones. Hopefully this'll help MSJ if he ever finds the time to get back here.

These are the answered ones. The next post will be the unanswered.

Since the other thread was so long and MSJ already answered a lot of the questions in his newest post, here's another thread.

Sir,

In the comice Blaze and Danny Ketch ended up becoming "partners" of a sort, and although I don't remember it being resolved, it was hinted there were originally 4 Ghost Riders on flaming horses. Will this movie (or a sequel) cover these other GRs, and will Dan Ketch make an appearance?

Thanks for the time, looking forward to GR more than any other film!

Dan Question answered here:
http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7695620&postcount=1

The first part of the question has not directly been answered but, we now know from pictures and random conversations that a western Ghost Rider is in it which leads us to believe that the history, the mythos, of Ghost Rider will be present.

I have anfew question for MSJ .

BEfore i continue , i'll say this. It's great to have a director who respects the fans and actually talks with them. So kudos to you MSJ , YOU ROCK !

Anyhoo back to my questions

1 How fill the fighting style of Ghost Rider BE ?
Will be raw and hardcore or more stylised like martial arts . If you're going for raw , please MSJ. No nausea inducing MTV editing.......

2 For the sake of coolness , will you try to do impossible things with Ghost Rider or are you keeping the action more grounded to reality.
For example riding a bike verticallly and climbing a building

3 Was it you're choice to go more for a rock soundtrack then a traditional score . And would you also have included techno songs ?

4 I know that fire is one of the more difficult things to create in VFX.
But how will the fire look ? Will it be more in the lines of balrog creature in the fellowship of the ring , the storm in fantastic four ( didn't sony image works to do the fire effects on Johnny ) or like liquid fire ( the matrix reloaded)

5 Finally. Do you think that with the movie being pushed back to 2007 , it'll be better for the VFX schedule. I often get the impression that reason why the budget of many big VFX movies are so high is due to the fact that the VFX companies have to deliver their shots in a short while. You see that movies who take a longer time to work on their effects , tend to produce better results

1. We know that it's going to definatly not be martial arts style. Definatly.

2. The powers the bike has can be found here:
http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7695647&postcount=2

3. I don't think the final soundtrack idea has been released. It's been months since he's chatted about the music and so much could have changed. Anyhoo, soundtrack questions found here as well:
http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7695647&postcount=2

4. We know how it will look from recent footage. Somebody here could probably answer the who did what questions.

Dear Mr. MSJ,

I am a big fan and I am looking very much forward to Ghost Rider.

But I have only one question: Is Daredevil 2 going to be made and will you direct?

I speak on the behalf of the many, many Daredevil fans who have been left with their dicks hanging for a long time, and I figured if anyone can give us a straight answer it'd be you.

I anticipate your reply.

Yours Sincerly DarkMurdock

DareDevil Questions here:
http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7695657&postcount=3

MSG thanks for answering my questions before. Here's some more:

1) Were you ever even approached to make a Daredevil Sequel by Fox? Has there been any talk about it in your circles with or without Affleck.

2) With the long wait...Are you going to be doing any test screenings early to get some more feedback. You have plenty of time to add footage, do reshoots, etc...if needed.

3) Sorry if this has already been asked: What's the approximate running time of Ghost Rider? 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 2+ hours?

4) Just a fan curious question. Say Nic Cage chose not to do Ghost Rider or couldn't do it with his schedule...what other names were on the list to play Ghost Rider? Were there any back ups?

Most of these I'll put in a seperate thread of not asked.

3) Not sure if it's changed but the answer has been answered here:
http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7695647&postcount=2

4) I'm pretty sure that Nic has been involved with this for years before shooting began. He was a major force behind getting it done, from what I understand. I could be wrong though, so I'll add it to the other post.

Hiho Mr. Johnson!

I also have a few questions for you. Sorry if they were asked before! Here we go:

1. Im not really familiar with the GR comics at all, but I would like to know if there is any portrayal of hell itself and how different it is from other movies like "Constantine" and films like that?

2. So, this movie is very rich in FX stuff and has a big budget. But GR isn`t as well-known as other Marvel characters, such as Spider-Man or X-Men for example. And this will be the first movie in a possible series. Do you think that this could be a disadvantage at the boxoffice? Will there be a huge marketing campagne for the film?

3. Now this is dark and gritty material with all the hell stuff and a kind of "Bounty Hunter" in the lead. It is a huge movie, but I heard that it will stay true to the spirit of the comics, so is there any chance that it will be rated R?

4. Will there be any backstory in the movie around the Medallion, Zarathos and Mephisto through flashbacks? And will Noble Kale, Badilino or John`s brother Daniel play any role in this or in future GR films probably?

5. Which part was intended for Jon Voight before he left the project?

I wish you all the best and I hope that Ghost Rider will rock

Ok that was it. Thanks in advance!

Greetings from Vienna

3) It's PG 13.
http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7695647&postcount=2

After Ghost Rider are you interested in doing other movies based on Marvel properties? What about any DC properties such as Aquaman?

Answered here:
http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7695657&postcount=3

When you make GR 2 will it be made in Melbourne?
It was great to watch (from the sidelines) you guys work.
Also will you or would you like to be involved with Making the Silver Surfer movie

Answered here:
http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7695657&postcount=3

Am I still able to ask a question? Well, anyways, here it is:

Will the original Ghost Rider be incorporated? Y'know, that guy who dressed in white and rode a horse. In fact, will we see any previous form of Ghost Rider (like a Clint Eastwood GR from the Old West)?

Thanks a bunch.

We know from recent pictures that the western Ghost Rider will be in it, though nothing like the white dressed horse ridin' fella.

Sorry if this sounds kind of stupid but at the rate this film's release has been moved around is there still hope that we might see it this year in some bizarre final release change? (maybe say the week of halloween).
Also, I know it is still 7 months away but are you guys planning anything for this years Comic-Con? It would be great to know this soon so I could start saving up some Australian peso to get a ticket state-side!

 

[FlameHead]

Below are all the questions unanswred by MSJ. I've added all of ones questions to the same quote. I hope this helps...

Please, from here on out, before you ask a question to MSJ (who is an extreamly busy man), check out the aready answered thread. It's a sticky and everything.

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217085

...

5 Finally. Do you think that with the movie being pushed back to 2007 , it'll be better for the VFX schedule. I often get the impression that reason why the budget of many big VFX movies are so high is due to the fact that the VFX companies have to deliver their shots in a short while. You see that movies who take a longer time to work on their effects , tend to produce better results

[/B]

MSG thanks for answering my questions before. Here's some more:

1) Were you ever even approached to make a Daredevil Sequel by Fox? Has there been any talk about it in your circles with or without Affleck.

2) With the long wait...Are you going to be doing any test screenings early to get some more feedback. You have plenty of time to add footage, do reshoots, etc...if needed.

...

4) Just a fan curious question. Say Nic Cage chose not to do Ghost Rider or couldn't do it with his schedule...what other names were on the list to play Ghost Rider? Were there any back ups?


Hey Mark,

I'll put you on the spot. What's your box office prediction for opening weekend including Holiday. I'm guessing 60-65, and trust you're doing everything on your end to prevent the 70% 2nd week drop.


MSJ,

Are you working closely with the game developers so the effects and the storyline and everything run together nicely? Do you know if the cast members are doing the voice overs on the game? I don't think Nic has done that before.

Heres My Question:
Is Stan Lee making an appearance?


Hey Mark,

You need to have a fan competition for that Hell Cylce. Start it in a few months. Have some sort of drawing for it. Let the media know about the contest and the hype begins. Every person on Earth would want that bike.


Another Question: C'mon Mark you can take a few snaps with your digital camera of the crew working in the post production offices, or with you sitting on the bike wearing GRiders's Jacket...right?

What exactly is Sony expecting from this film in terms gross? I'm curious because it's been move to febuary and also the budget numbers being thrown out range from 50-100 mil. Also considering the fact that Constantine which is a similar movie did pretty well in nearly the same spot but that only manage to garner 75 mil, and Hellboy only did about 60 mil so the question is, what exactly are Sony's expectations for this film?

Also this is your second superhero film, and it's also the second time you casted a well-known actor. This seems to fly in the face of what has now become the formula for super-hero films which is cast unknowns. I was wondering did this happen to fall like that or is it easier working with seasoned actors?

Hi Mark, thanks for answering all the questions my fellow hypsters have been asking, it is a great thing for the director of an upcoming super-hero flick to answer the questions of his fans on a constant basis.

I have two questions, one about DD and one about Ghost Rider:

1. I'm not sure if you've been asked this, you probably have, but who besides Affleck and Farrell did you have in mind for DD and Bullseye?

2. You've stated that GR is like a "gothic western", is there any way to describe that a little more detailed so we can get a feel for the movie?

Thank you.

Edd.

1. Will the release date change have any effect on the rating, or is PG-13 still the official? And if so, is the usual unrated DVD gig gonna happen and would it be any different than the theatrical release as the DareDevil DVD was?

2. How long into the movie until Blaze actually becomes The Rider and will he have more screentime than Blaze? I'm always one for cutting straight to the chase, but understand the need for intros and such for the plot and story explanations.

Wicked job on the reveal, too. Some excellent drops of blood for us very hungry sharks.

Hi Mark, I was wondering if the new short with no sound was shot outside the Little Lonsdale Street garage set? The door in the background on the right looked real familar. I know this is crappy question of absolute no importance but I loved cruising around that set on weekends, soaking in the feel of the dirty back street garage. It was sad to see that thing come down.

MSJ I have a few questions but before, I want to say that I loved DD and b/c of that I can't wait for GR! The lil clip looks awesome! Anyways....

1. Is there any progression with DD2? If so will u be introducing a new villian or with the Kingpin and good ol Bullseye be back (or both possiblities).

2. I personally haven't read many GR comics, but b/c u r directing, I have been into the movie. Is there anything inperticular (spelling) that I should read? I no Barnes and Nobles has the Essentials to GR, but is that all? The DD movie got me into reading DD and Elektra and now I really want to read GR, so...

3. Finally. Have you ever thought about making and Elektra film? U wrote and directed her soooo well in DD and a lot of ppl are saying that u should direct a sequel or a kind of revamp like Batman Begins for her in a few years. Possibility?

Hiho Mr. Johnson!

I also have a few questions for you. Sorry if they were asked before! Here we go:

1. Im not really familiar with the GR comics at all, but I would like to know if there is any portrayal of hell itself and how different it is from other movies like "Constantine" and films like that?

2. So, this movie is very rich in FX stuff and has a big budget. But GR isn`t as well-known as other Marvel characters, such as Spider-Man or X-Men for example. And this will be the first movie in a possible series. Do you think that this could be a disadvantage at the boxoffice? Will there be a huge marketing campagne for the film?

...

4. Will there be any backstory in the movie around the Medallion, Zarathos and Mephisto through flashbacks? And will Noble Kale, Badilino or John`s brother Daniel play any role in this or in future GR films probably?

5. Which part was intended for Jon Voight before he left the project?

I wish you all the best and I hope that Ghost Rider will rock

Ok that was it. Thanks in advance!

Greetings from Vienna

I have a question. Your gonna supply us loyal fans here with tickets to an advance screening right?? I don't mind if the effects are not there yet.


Probably the most important question I have right now......

Is this Aquinnah really a producer for the movie?

Howdy, i think its great that you talk to on these boards, i respect that and thank you... my questions..

...

2nd after working with both talented actors (Ben Affleck and Nic Cage) who do you think would win in a fist fight? (not their super-hero's)

Hey MSJ, looks like round 4 is started. We look forward to the day you have time to answer some of our new inquiries.

Here's a couple I have... for now.

1) Angry Anderson is reported (by crappy IMDB) to have Angry Anderson in the film however there is reportidly close friend of his saying that he's not involved at all. Could you clear this up?

2) Avi Arad seems like the coolest guy in the world. Is he?


Hey Mark, how many times have you reinvented this movie since you began production... since you finished production for that matter. This ample time to tweak the movie must be pretty sweet.

Oooh, and in addition to this; have any new CGI scenes been developed since post production began? Perhaps scenes that you didn't think you had time for but, now are doable?

I haven't read a Ghost Rider comic ever. How accessible will this movie be to me and others like me? Thanks.

When you make GR 2 will it be made in Melbourne?
It was great to watch (from the sidelines) you guys work.
...

Apologies if this has been asked before:

Can you give us some idea of Ghost Rider's fighting style? Batman Begins had a very brutal, grounded, no-BS style which perfectly suited the character. Will Ghost Rider's be similar?

Also, please have a gander at the captions thread and tell us which is your favourite!

1. Will there be any deaths in this movie?

2. Will there be any evidence or nods to other Marvel characters?

3. You seem to have assembled quite an amazing cast for a comic book film. What attracted these A-list stars? Are there any hardcore GR fans besides you and Nic? Or were they just really attracted to the story, characters, etc.?

Ghost Rider was one of my favorite comic books when I was a kid... I'll be at the movie opening night!

Just one question, if it's been answered before I'm sorry (if so anybody that knows can answer).

Who built the bikes?

Thanks

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I didn't see it anywhere. I know the movie is a mixture of the Blaze and Ketch stories, but I was wondering if there are any shots in the movie that are directly taken from the comics. I know the scene in Spiderman 2 where he throws the costume in the trash is pretty much framed just like it is in the comics. And obviously Sin City was all shot using the comics as storyboards. So, without giving too much away, can we expect any shots from the comics?

MSJ I was wondering what made you go with the brownish skull instead of white? Will there be any test footage shown on the DVD of the white skull?

Here are 4; 2 of which are relating to the merchandise:

1. Will Blaze's 1st change into GR be as an older man (Cage) or will you infer that Blaze has been GR before when he was younger?
2. Any possibility that in the flashback scene involving a young Johnny Blaze that he might be wearing something similar to the classic 70's "blue" leather jumpsuit?
3. Any news if the video game is still planned to be released at the same time w/ the movie?
4. Also Toy Biz will no longer be producing Marvel characters after 2006 w/ Hasbro taking up the job for 2007 and beyond. Do you know if the sculpted Toy Biz line will be used by Hasbro or will they start over w/ a line of their own?

 

[BIGGUN]

Thanks again FH.
you da' man! heh

 

[FlameHead]

I'm da man with far too much time and energy on his hands. My real life has calmed down and it's drivin' me batty. Gotta keep busy with something, ya know?

 

[FlameHead]

One more question from me that has just popped up:

There is a website (http://www.johnnyblaze.com) that was written on a brochure used as a prop in the movie for (I assume) Blaze's big jump. Is this URL (which is active) owed by the studio or anyone involved in the movie? And, will it be updated in the future?

 

[Joker]

Simple question about the soundtrack...

Ghost Rider by the Rollins Band, in or no? cause it would be great for the end credits

 

[Advanced Dark]

Hey flamehead I just noticed something about your Avatar the GR flaming head. Have you ever seen those moving waterfall pictures they sell at malls that light up and it looks like the water is moving. They could make a kickass Ghost Rider picture with the same technology. It's just a plastic sheet behind the pic that's in front of a light and rolls on a belt. It would be very easy to make and every GR fan would buy one.

 

[zer00]

Simple question about the soundtrack...

Ghost Rider by the Rollins Band, in or no? cause it would be great for the end credits

****in aye

 

[FlameHead]

Hey flamehead I just noticed something about your Avatar the GR flaming head. Have you ever seen those moving waterfall pictures they sell at malls that light up and it looks like the water is moving. They could make a kickass Ghost Rider picture with the same technology. It's just a plastic sheet behind the pic that's in front of a light and rolls on a belt. It would be very easy to make and every GR fan would buy one.

That's an awesome idea! They should definalty do that.

I know they're doing one of those 3d changing ones, so MSJ says anyway. One like the recent monster house one if anyone's seen it. I guess it'll be Blaze in Ghost Rider. Duh.

 

[FlameHead]

Bump, so it's easily found just in case 'the man' finds time...

 

[Mr Nick]

Kinda lame, but as a total movie geek I'd like to know:

What's your favourite movie of all time and why?

Also, regarding the skull we've seen so far in the trailers. Is that the finished look or is there still more work to be done on it?

 

[FlameHead]

Bump. Can't let this one get lost.... just in case.

 

[auzi]

1) As being one of the producers of ELEKTRA what do you think about the movie, did u like it & how was the ROB BOWMAN direction in it?


2) Did u ever wanted to Direct ELEKTRA-THE MOVIE?


3) Before filming DAREDEVIL, do you always wanted to make it a R-rated movie(as your director's cut version is R-rated)?


4)Recently some sites pop-up the news that ROSWELL star JASON BEHR is going to play DAREDEVIL in a direct to DvD sequel, just want to know is there any truth to these reports.
I think fans would love to see BEN AFFLECK again because he was superb in DAREDEVIL???









BEN AFFLECK played a superb DAREDEVIL!!!

can't wait for it!!!

 

[xwolverine2]

Q:when will scoring begin for GR?...around when can we expect some sample scores and/or soundtrack?

 

[Mr Nick]

I know it's very early days, but can you give us any info about what docs/extras will be on the DVD?

 

[FlameHead]

Bump; Keepin' it on first page

 

["Iron Man"]

Hello MSJ, I love DD and I am definetly sure I'll love GR, but I was wondering something. You see, I love movies (all kinds of them) and I love comic books. So, it seemed logical for me to direct a comic book movie (I want to be a director when I'm older...It's my dream job). I chose "Space Ghost" as my hero, and you can check out my section on him over in the DC Comics Films section. I was just wondering, director to director, if.........

1)...you could give me some advice on making a great movie?

2)Can you could tell me ANYTHING about being a Hollywood director?

Thanks MSJ, as always.

Keep the great movies comin!