Ghost Rider is a 2007 American superhero film directed by Mark Steven Johnson, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name.
The film stars Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stuntman who sells his soul to the demon Mephistopheles, portrayed by Peter Fonda, in a desperate attempt to save his father's life. The film also features Eva Mendes as Roxanne Simpson, Johnny's love interest, and Wes Bentley as Blackheart, the main antagonist.
The story begins with a young Johnny Blaze making a deal with Mephistopheles to cure his father's cancer. However, after the deal is fulfilled, Johnny's father dies in a stunt accident, leading him to blame Mephistopheles for the tragedy. Years later, Johnny becomes a famous stunt performer but is haunted by his past. When Mephistopheles reappears and demands that Johnny become the Ghost Rider—a supernatural bounty hunter tasked with hunting down evil souls—Johnny reluctantly agrees.
As Ghost Rider, Johnny transforms into a fiery skeletal figure with supernatural powers, including the ability to use the Penance Stare, which forces evildoers to experience the pain they have inflicted on others. The film follows Johnny as he battles Blackheart, who seeks to claim a powerful contract that would allow him to unleash hell on Earth.
Ghost Rider was released on February 16, 2007, and received generally negative reviews from critics, holding a 27% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, it was a box office success, grossing approximately $228.7 million worldwide against a budget of around $110 million. The film's visual effects and Cage's performance were often highlighted as its strengths.
The film explores themes of redemption and the struggle between good and evil while providing an action-packed narrative filled with supernatural elements. A sequel titled Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance was released in 2012, with Cage reprising his role as the titular character. Overall, Ghost Rider remains notable for its unique take on the superhero genre and its blend of action and dark fantasy elements.