Derrickson's most beloved films to date is Sinister, which has become a cult classic in the years since its 2012 release. His popularity as a director has only grown since then as he began being hired to work on more mainstream films like Doctor Strange. Derrickson was also set to return as director for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness until he and Marvel Studios parted ways due to creative differences on the film.
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance released in 2012 and received poor reviews for the acting, story, and CGI - getting a whopping 18% Rotten Tomatoes critical score. The movies are based on the Ghost Rider Marvel comic books with the sequel focusing on Johnny Blaze (Cage) as he continues to deal with the curse of the Ghost Rider. The negative response to the film means no other Ghost Rider movies have been made since, which some of those who love the character from the comics consider a blessing.
As part of a Sinister oral history from SlashFilm, Derrickson explained he was considered to direct Ghost Rider 2 before g on to the 2012 horror film. See Derrickson's full comment below:
So my attitude going into Sinister, the reason why I said yes to Jason [Blum] immediately was, I was like, 'Okay, this is it. If this is the last film I ever get to make ...' I was getting offered things like Ghost Rider 2. If I had made that movie, I probably never would've worked again. And I was ing on the few things I was getting offered ... When Jason came to me and said, 'I'll give you a $3 million and final cut,' I was like, 'okay, great. Well, if this is the last movie I get to make, I'm going to make a movie that I want to see.'
How Ghost Rider 2 Would've Been Different With Scott Derrickson
While Ghost Rider 2 was seen as a poorly written film by many, the talent of Derrickson might have turned around some of the badly received aspects of the film - like the poor CGI and strange acting choices. He could have given audiences a gritty, thought-provoking story better than the one the sequel offers, which might have changed the entire concept of Ghost Rider films. A balance of action and humor, like that of Doctor Strange, also could have worked wonders on a film like Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
Regardless of what Derrickson could have done to improve on Ghost Rider 2, the movie still likely would not have done as well as other films he has worked on. While a director has an enormous impact on a project and its tone, some obstacles are impossible to overcome. The choice to not work on Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance led Derrickson to be able to work on Sinister, his true masterpiece among the horror films he has directed. In the end, Derrickson's choice to turn down the job is what saved his career and allowed him to become the acclaimed director he is today.
Source: SlashFilm
