Nicolas Cage Says Ghost Rider is "A Break from Capes and Tights"

There has been a recent trend in the film industry to make over comic books. Ghost Rider is no different. Originating from the company Marvel Comics, the story of Ghost Rider was born in 1972.

As a guest on Live with Regis and Kelly's "Lovin' Better in '07" week, the star of the film, Nicolas Cage spoke on behalf of his new film. "It's sort of a beauty and the beast story," he stated.

The premise behind the initial comic book series, which starred Johnny Blaze until 1983, was an agreement between the character and the devil made to save the life of Blaze's mentor.

Ghost Rider, the movie, is described by Cage as "an adventure/fantasy movie with action." Initially intent on saving his father, Cage's character then must save a love interest, played by Eva Menendez.

Cage described his character Johnny Blaze as having "a spirit of vengeance." He said, "The devil has his soul, but he doesn't have his spirit." Of the costume requirements, a motorcycle and leather jacket, Cage joked, "it's a break from capes and tights."

Born Nicolas Coppola, Cage is the nephew of esteemed director Francis Ford Coppola. His role in a film based on a Marvel comic is appropriate, as his decided surname "Cage" was inspired by the Marvel Comic character "Luke Cage."

With quite an impressive resume, Cage has made himself one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood, without the use of his given name (reminiscent of Emilio Estevez?).

He received his start playing a small part in Fast Time At Ridgemont High, in the company of Sean Penn. Since then, he has both acted and directed in a variety of other films and currently owns his own production company, named Saturn Films.

Cage has received two Academy Award nominations, for his roles in Leaving Las Vegas and Adaptation. He won for the former in the category "Best Actor in a Leading Role."

Cage's success in the business has created much buzz for his newest release. Several of his movies, including Gone in Sixty Seconds and National Treasure have previously soared to box office grosses upwards of one million dollars. Due out sometime later this year is a sequel to the latter, his most successful film, entitled National Treasure: The Book of Secrets.

At the age of 43, Cage has had quite a career. His decision to become involved in yet another film based on a Marvel Comic is perfectly timed in relation to the success of comic book films.

Ghost Rider begins in theatres across the country tomorrow, Friday the 16^th of February.