6 Financially Successful Movies That Killed Big Franchises

4. Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance

Budget: 57,000,000 Worldwide Box Office: 132,563,930 There was a time when Marvel Comics had declared bankruptcy, the company's very existence seemed in question. The company's executives seeking any way to turn things around, started selling off the film rights to any character that they could. One of those characters was Ghost Rider. Eventually two movies featuring the character were produced starring Nicolas Cage. Both films made back more than double what they cost to produce and there was no reason to think more adventures of the fiery skulled hero wouldn't hit theatres shortly thereafter. Critics were negative about both films with the second one receiving a fair amount of hate from film goers. Turns out having the titular character urinate fire was not a popular choice. Something strange happened after Spirit of Vengeance's release though. In the last few years a number of Marvel comics characters' rights have reverted back to Marvel. Typically the reason they have done so is because of a stipulation in their contracts that reads a film must be put into production every ten years. All but one of the characters have gone back to Marvel because no film was made in that time period. Ghost Rider was announced to be back in the Marvel's cinematic bullpen by Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios President, less an a year and a half after this film was released. No conclusive reason for the reversion has been given but it seems like the studio willingly gave the rights up.