Dimension Films Acquires Rights to Marvel's Ghost Rider

Posted on August 30, 2000

Dimension Films has acquired the rights to Ghost Rider, an action-filled adventure based on the popular Marvel Comics superhero, it was announced by company co-chairman Bob Weinstein. Ghost Rider was written by David Goyer (The Crow: City of Angels) and will be directed by Steven Norrington, who previously worked together on Blade. Dimension will distribute the film in the United States.

Steven Paul, president and CEO of Crystal Sky Entertainment, and Avi Arad, CEO of Marvel Studios and recent producer of X-Men, will be producing the project. Goyer and Norrington will executive produce.

Ghost Rider tells the story of a motorcycle stuntman, who, seeking revenge for harm done to his one true love, makes a pact with dark forces to avenge the wrongdoing. By day, the Ghost Rider is a motorcycle stuntman able to perform superhuman tricks; by night he is transformed into a burning demon on wheels as he hunts down those who bring pain to the innocent.

``Both Dimension and Marvel Comics have enjoyed great success in developing edgy, provocative projects like Ghost Rider,'' said Bob Weinstein. ``Following the high level of interest in recent comic book adaptations like The Crow and X-Men, we believe that Ghost Rider offers tremendous franchise opportunities for Dimension.''

``After Dimension's success with Scary Movie, there is no doubt that Bob and his team can maximize Ghost Rider's potential for us,'' said Steven Paul. ``After all night negotiations, we are proud to reach an agreement with Dimension.''

Bob Weinstein, Cary Granat, president of Dimension, Michael Helfant, senior executive vp of Dimension, and Andrew Gumpert, svp of business and legal affairs, negotiated the deal for Dimension. Steven Paul and Joseph Inga, svp of finance, negotiated the deal for Crystal Sky.

Crystal Sky will handle foreign rights. The picture will be co-financed by Dimension and Crystal Sky Entertainment. The deal will go under several agreements Crystal Sky has in place, including a $400 million line of credit with MM media Capital and output agreement with VCL, Communications in Munich.