We reported back in January that Ghost Rider 2 was in the works and now a new story reveals that the film could go on without its original star. Vulture is reporting that Columbia Pictures wants to move forward with Ghost Rider 2 and if Nicolas Cage can't commit to the film by the end of the year, they could end up making the film without him.

It was said that if Columbia isn't in production on the sequel by November 14 - the date the studio's rights expire - the rights to the franchise would revert back to Marvel's new owner, Disney. Right now it's not quite clear if the actor's schedule will allow him to come back, as it was said that Disney hopes to be shooting National Treasure 3 as early as this fall, with Cage returning to star. The site also reports that Columbia has asked for an extension of the November 14 deadline.

A script by David S. Goyer is currently in place, but the project doesn't have a director, as our earlier report stated that the original director, Mark Steven Johnson, would not be directing the sequel.

We'll be sure to keep you posted on any further Ghost Rider 2 updates as soon as we have more information.