The GHOST RIDER Sequel Without Cage??

Merrick here...
New York Magazine's Vulture section says that Columbia may be forced to make their GHOST RIDER sequel without Nicolas Cage, despite Nic's stated interest in the project. Seems Columbia has to be in production on a sequel by "mid Novermber" date to retain its rights to make the movie at all, but Cage's involvement with a third NATIONAL TREASURE film may block his ability to return as Johnny Blaze.

if Nicolas Cage can't commit to making it this year, they may have to make it without him. Insiders confirm to Vulture that Columbia is facing a ticking clock on the rights to the BBQ-skulled Marvel Comics character: Legally, if the studio isn't in production on a sequel by November 14, 2010, the franchise automatically reverts to Marvel — which means the comic company's new owner, Disney. [EDIT] Disney is also hoping to get him for a third National Treasure with Jerry Bruckheimer, which could be shooting as early as this fall and would presumably earn the star a hefty paycheck. [EDIT] We hear that FlashForward writers Scott Gimple and Seth Hoffman, overseen by their show's creator (and Batman Begins scribe), David S. Goyer, have just turned in a draft of a GR2 script, which Columbia will bring to a still-evolving list of potential directors.

...says Vulture HERE. To be extremely clear, at the moment this appears to be a potential conflict/issue and not a foregone conclusion. I really hated the first GHOST RIDER movie, but not because of Nic Cage. I'd be open to, even interested in, seeing him try the role again with a stronger director and script. In this case, it wouldn't take much to find either...
--- Follow Merrick on Twitter! ---