Ghost Rider (2007)

Did You Know?

• Nicolas Cage Was a Real-Life Ghost Rider Fan: Cage is a long-time comic book collector and Ghost Rider superfan — he even has a Ghost Rider tattoo, which had to be covered during filming.
• Johnny Blaze’s Motorcycle Was Custom Built: The bike used was a heavily modified Harley-Davidson Panhead chopper, built to look demonic and otherworldly.
• The Skull Was Based on a Real Human One: Ghost Rider’s flaming skull was modelled on actual human skulls to give it more realism and anatomical accuracy.
• Sam Elliott’s Caretaker Is Original to the Film: Though loosely inspired by the comic character Carter Slade, the Caretaker and his Ghost Rider past were largely created for the movie.
• Filming Took Place in Australia: Despite being set in the U.S., most of Ghost Rider was filmed in Melbourne and New South Wales, Australia.
• Cage’s Performance Was Inspired by Elvis: Cage said he drew inspiration from Elvis Presley and Southern Gothic preachers to shape Johnny Blaze’s voice and body language.
• The Penance Stare Was a Key Effect: Ghost Rider’s signature move — making evildoers feel every pain they’ve inflicted — was created using layered CGI eye shots and flame effects.
• Peter Fonda Played Mephistopheles: Fonda, famous for Easy Rider, was cast to subtly connect the film’s themes to motorcycle culture history.
• Was a Long Time in Development: The film was first pitched in the 1990s with stars like Johnny Depp considered before Nicolas Cage took over.
• Spawned a Sequel — But Without the Same Team: Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012) followed this film, but had a different tone, new directors (Neveldine/Taylor), and mixed reception.