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The 2007 movieGhost Riderbased on Marvel comics, has been one of the most popular and enigmatic characters on the big screen. Being a high-budget superhero movie, several Hollywood A-listers had their eyes on the lead role. Among all the actors who desired the role and were even considered fit, Johnny Depp topped the list with his eminent talent.
However, eventually, the role went to Nicolas Cage, who stepped into the character and appeared a perfect fit for the edgy, flame-skulled motorcycle enthusiast. Stealing Johnny Depp’s chance to be a Marvel star, Cage won the role and delivered a memorable performance in the $378M franchise.
Also read:Nicolas Cage Sacrificed $63M Lead Role That Launched Tom Cruise, Earned Him Golden Globe Nomination
Johnny Depp Was The Initial Choice ForGhost Rider
From starring in a number of great projects to piecing together a truly interesting entertainment career, Johnny Depp achieved mega success in both film and television. Popularly known for his role in thePirates of the Caribbeanfranchise, the reputed actor found himself up for the role of a Marvel hero.
Poised to make some noise at the box office,Johnny Deppdesired the lead role in the 2007 filmGhost Rider. Shortly before MCU made its official debut withIron Manin 2008, Depp eyed the lead role as a Marvel superstar. Even the filmmakers and producers wished for the actor to play the role of Johnny Blaze.
Marvel had been planning to make the cinematic adaptation since 1992, by negotiating with various studios to license their long list of characters. Eventually, when the efforts came a little close to fruition in 2000, and the budget was set to $75M, the creators wanted none other than Johnny Depp.
However, despite being the initial choice, when the project fell apart, Johnny Depp evidently lost his big opportunity to star in the $378M franchise.
Also read:“I eat according to the way animals have s*x”: Superman In The Flash, Nicolas Cage’s Eating Habits Will Leave His Fans Disturbed
Nicolas Cage Became The Ultimate Face OfGhost Rider
Years later Marvel’s efforts finally came to fruition in 2007, and the Studio didn’t have to look back, ever again. Thus, Marvel began focusing on its first projectGhost Rider(2007), a year before launchingIron Man(2008). However, by that time, they already lost their initial choice of actor, Johnny Depp, as he got engaged withSweeney ToddandPirates Of The Caribbeanfilms.
Therefore, the role went toNicolas Cage, and given his penchant for risky acting choices, the actor seemed like a perfect fit for the character. Stepping into the lead role as Johnny Blaze, the flame-skulled motorcycle enthusiast, the Oscar-winning actor turned the movie into a superhit by earning $229M at the global box office over its $120M production budget.
Signing himself up for the $378M franchise, Nicolas Cage appeared in the second installment,Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance(2011).Although the sequel failed to earn nearly as close asGhost Rider, it still performed miraculously at the box office when it earned $149M over its $57M production budget. However, the movie still scrambled to find criticisms synonymous with “awful”.
Despite fans’ disappointment over the twoGhost Riderinstallments, people still went crazy over the blazing hero, and Nicolas Cage became rather infamous for his role in the franchise.
Watch theGhost Riderfranchise on Amazon Video and Apple TV.
Read more:“It started to affect me mentally. It was very, very hot”: Johnny Depp Went Through Hell to Create His Iconic Role That Earned Him Over $265 Million
Source:Screenrant
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3217
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
