In addition to the visuals, the filmmakers were also attracted by the possibility of presenting a different kind of comic-book hero on the screen -- one whose evil visage belies his good intentions and unique personality.
According to Johnson, Cage was the only actor who could pull off such a multi-faceted character. "I think the very best horror movies and thrillers are full of humour," says the writer-director. "You need to release the tension. Having Nic Cage on board really cemented that, because he is naturally very funny. He took the character of Johnny Blaze and made him a lot more fun."
De Luca adds, "In his search to make the character real, Nic acknowledges how outrageous his situation is: 'I made a deal with the Devil and now I am a flaming skeleton on a motorcycle.' You can't help but discover the humour."
"Once Nic was in the role, humour came organically," says producer Gary Foster. "He has a great sense of humour. Which works well, because despite Johnny's tough life, he still has the lightheartedness he had as a teenager."
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