With that leather jacket, tussled hair and slow-simmering scowl, Nicolas Cage may not look like much of a superhero.

Nevertheless, the first official photo of Cage from his upcoming movie "Ghost Rider" reveals a character rather than a special effect ([article id="1500660"]click here for photo[/article]). Sitting on his motorcycle, giving someone the evil eye, the A-list actor seems determined to trade in his quirky charm for a character who truly is haunted.

The "Ghost Rider" comic-book series, which debuted in 1972, tells the story of an ill-tempered motorcyclist named Johnny Blaze who makes a deal with the devil in order to save a loved one. Damned to a life of servitude, Blaze transforms into Ghost Rider -- a lightning-fast demon with soulless eyes and a flaming skull. If you're traveling late at night and glance into your rearview mirror to find the Ghost Rider, you're likely not long for this world.

Cage, an obsessive comic collector and fan of the series, will be portraying both Blaze and his incendiary alter ego. Directed by Mark Steven Johnson ("Daredevil"), the film boasts an impressive supporting cast that features Wes Bentley, Eva Mendes, Donal Logue and Peter Fonda as the sinister Mephisto.

Currently shooting in Australia, the hell-on-wheels film has its sights set on a release date of August 4, 2006. For now, we'll have to wait for that first photo of Cage with a flaming head and maniacal grin -- so keep checking back for the latest photos and news.

Check out everything we've got on "Ghost Rider."

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