What was the 2007 movie "Ghost Rider" based on?

The 2007 movie Ghost Rider was based on Marvel Comics. More specifically, it adapted the Marvel comic-book character Ghost Rider, particularly the Johnny Blaze version, a stunt motorcyclist transformed into a supernatural spirit of vengeance.

The film stars Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze, with Eva Mendes, Wes Bentley, Sam Elliott, and Peter Fonda in supporting roles. Its story follows Blaze after he makes a supernatural bargain to save his father, only to become bound to a demonic curse that turns him into the flaming-skulled Ghost Rider.

Ghost Rider was created for Marvel by writer Gary Friedrich and artist Mike Ploog, with editor Roy Thomas also credited in the character’s development. The character first appeared in Marvel Spotlight in 1972, decades before the movie reached theaters.

The film is sometimes mistakenly described as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe because it is a Marvel property. It was produced during the period when different studios controlled film rights, however, and was released by Sony Pictures rather than as an MCU film.