Collider was able to talk to producer David Goyer recently, and he shared a fun little fact about the sequel that very few are looking forward to seeing: Ghost Rider 2. Goyer is best known as a writer who penned all three Blade movies and both Batman Begins and The Dark Knight (co-writer). He’s also done some directing, like his horror movie The Unborn; as well as a producer, bringing us the latest TV hit, Flash Forward.
The catch here is that when Goyer wrote the script, he wrote it in the same light as Blade: dark and violent with a hard R-rating. Sony, of course, wants nothing to do with that, so their plan is to clean it up and work it around to get the same PG-13 the first movie had.
It sounds as though the reason that they want to use this pre-existing script is that it simply makes the job easier to progress, though Goyer’s script could just as well be too good to pass up. Unfortunately, this sounds a lot more like the former, and that does not bode well for the movie. If they’re just hoping to find a story, get it made, and get it released as fast as humanly possible, then we’re already dark and lonely world of low expectations.
Being someone who tends to rant when the R versus PG-13 discussion comes up, this is an example of where it doesn’t matter much. The first movie was horrible, but it would be a little too strange to change the rating of the sequel. The comic was violent and more of a Blade approach might be what it takes to actually save this franchise, but we all know that’s not going to happen.
You must remember if they don’t crank’um out the mouse will absorb them, so get ready for a surge of non disney owned marvel rush jobs coming at ya.
Comment by korollocke — October 2, 2009 @ 7:53 pm
ARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH JUST DONT MAKE THIS MOVIE. I hate it when they hand out PG-13 ratings to violent comic book movies. THEIR LOGIC EATS ITSELF. While there is still a hole in my backside I will always be angry about this.
Punisher films got it right… But they were dogsh*t.
Comment by scrotumbagmonkeyflicker — October 3, 2009 @ 7:47 am
Here, Here!
Punisher did try to have a great story but failed badly. At least the R rating was a good thing. Why can’t these comic book characters be brutal like in their comic book state of frame. Wolverine would’ve been the bomb if it was given a serious treatment with a director who show the character in a cold atmosphere with a viosion that is badd ass. NO. They always choose to think that since it’s a comic book character, the work comic has to realte to kids. Hollywood is the definition of idiocy and blankness.
Comment by PHiL — October 3, 2009 @ 7:57 am
They really dont know their audience do they?! All they care about is the money, so they get the rating as low as they can thus getting more bums on seats… But guess what Hollywood… SCREW YOU I DOWNLOADED ALL THE PG-13 COMIC BOOK MOVIES FOR FREE YOU BASTARDZ! Then I laughed and deleted them and I didnt lose a penny! So there!
Comment by scrotumbagmonkeyflicker — October 3, 2009 @ 9:15 am
Although I would definitely be impressed if the violence was included, it isn’t the end of the world to not have it. There is more to these characters than just bloodbaths and cursing. And Hollywood is a business afterall. And lets face it, the first films lack of violence isn’t what made it a bad film. The script was lacking and so was Cage (no suprise there).
Watchmen= R (strict adaptation)
The Dark Knight= PG-13 (quite a departure)
Argument no longer valid in my opinion.
Comment by Joseph — October 3, 2009 @ 11:14 am
Can’t say I’m surprised. Marvel is selling it’s stories for the sake of the almighty $$$$$$. Marvel franchises liscenced out to other companies like Fox, Sony and universal will never be made with even the slightest bit of respect to the source material as all these companies want is $$$$ and could not care less about the source material.
Movies like Blade and Ghost rider are the perfect opportunity for the marvel movies to jump into the horror genre and they have thus far failed completely.
Comment by Ttandc — October 3, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
Here’s the only scenario that would even remotely tempt me to pay good $$$ to see Ghost Rider 2:
Scooby and the Mystery Machine gang capture Ghost Rider.
Velma: And the dastardly villain responsible for such a craptastic movie is…?!
All Together: Old man Nick Cage?
Velma: No, that was just a ruse to throw us off from the true identity of the man who wanted everyone to forget a even worse Marvel B-Team hero big-screen adaptation.
Scooby Gang: Huh? Who?
Velma pulls off Nick Cage mask to reveal….”Old man Ben Affleck!”
Ben Affleck: And I would’ve gotten away with it too if it weren’t for you meddling kids and that darn dog!
Comment by burning_chrome — October 4, 2009 @ 12:26 am
From reading the title, I must say Sony has a lot on the line investing in some 9-year old kid’s script.
Comment by Nat — October 7, 2009 @ 3:51 pm