January 2, 2012
Rights to the Marvel Comics' character "Ghost Rider", adapted into two feature films starring Nicolas Cage as a demonic, bike-riding, flaming skull-head, belong entirely to Marvel
Comics and not to the character's freelance creator, writer Gary Friedrich, according to Manhattan federal court judge Katherine
Forrest.Friedrich developed the original 'Ghost Rider' character
with Marvel editor Roy Thomas and illustrator Mike Ploog.
Although the character debuted in 1972, in "Marvel
Spotlight" #5, it was not until 2004 that Friedrich
began considering legal action against Marvel, after first learning about development of a movie adaptation.
In his lawsuit, Friedrich claimed Marvel infringed on his rights and that
he owned the character and its use in films, toys, video games and other merchandise.
The judge disagreed, finding that Friedrich had relinquished his rights to "Ghost Rider" as soon as he started cashing checks
from Marvel.
"If Friedrich... had any rights to the character or the work at the time he endorsed the checks... he relinquished those rights
to Marvel," the judge said.
The second movie adaptation, "Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance" opens February 17, 2012.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Ghost
Rider" and "Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance"...
August 21, 2010
According to actor Nic Cage, Sony will mount the Marvel sequel
"Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance" in 3D, to lense in Romania this fall.
Cage will return as the cursed stunt biker 'Johnny Blaze' who becomes a flaming bone-head, after a pact with
demonic forces.
The new film will be directed by "Crank" directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor.
Cage has hinted that Blaze will come face to face with 'Dracula' (hence the Romanian location).
Sony's "Ghost Rider" from Crystal Sky, released February 2007, grossed $115,802,596 at the North American box office, with an international theatrical
gross of $121,900,000. Worldwide theatrical total was $237,702,596, with DVD sales earning an additional $103,723,950.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Ghost Rider"...
