Because the rights are heading towards expiration, Columbia Pictures may reportedly have to go with someone other than Nicolas Cage for Ghost Rider 2, because Cage may be shooting the third installment in the National Treasure franchise later this year, it could prevent him from being able to film when Columbia Pictures needs to.

According to NYMag:

How badly does Columbia need to get the motor running on its Ghost Rider sequel? So badly that if Nicolas Cage can’t commit to making it this year, they may have to make it without him. Insiders confirm to Vulture that Columbia is facing a ticking clock on the rights to the BBQ-skulled Marvel Comics character: Legally, if the studio isn’t in production on a sequel by November 14, 2010, the franchise automatically reverts to Marvel — which means the comic company’s new owner, Disney.