Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance continues moving forward with negotiations with actors Idris Elba and Johnny Whitworth. Elba will play the role of a monk who must find Ghost Rider. On the other side of the coin will be Whitworth’s character who is a criminal the devil recruits to find the son of Johnny Blaze (Ghost Rider).

The plot for the new Ghost Rider film deals with Johnny Blaze staying low in Eastern Europe while grappling with his curse. Things don’t go smoothly as a sect recruits Blaze to battle the devil.

In July I expressed disappointment in the fight scenes and the feel of the first movie. The film lacked any real impact. It was merely going through the motions. The villains didn’t feel like a threat. In fact, none of the antagonists felt imposing.

Like I said in July, if there’s going to be any chance of success, they’ll need to focus more on the horror elements of Ghost Rider. It’s more horror than action. Use its strengths instead of ignoring them. Don’t try to fit Ghost Rider into a certain superhero mold. He’s a horrific antihero. Use that.

I’m still pessimistic over Nicolas Cage reprising his role as Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider, but who knows? Directors Brian Taylor and Mark Neveldine just might get a performance out of Cage that will be more in tune with Ghost Rider.

[Heat Vision]