While promoting his new film 'Jurassic World: Rebirth,' Mahershala Ali has offered several updates on Marvel's long-delayed 'Blade' movie, and none of them sound particularly promising.
The project was first unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, and under the original plan, it would have premiered this November. However, the troubled production has cycled through multiple directors. Now, six years after its announcement, Mahershala Ali's 'Blade' seems no closer to materializing.
In fact, it has been eight months since 'Blade' was removed from Marvel's release schedule, with the studio yet to announce a new date. Nevertheless, a month after its removal, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige reaffirmed the company's commitment to the character.
"We are dedicated to 'Blade.' We love the character and Mahershala's vision for him," Feige said in a November 2024 interview with Omelete. "Whenever we adjust a project's direction or are finalizing its schedule placement, we inform our audience. You have the latest information. But I can confirm the character will join the MCU."
So, what is Mahershala Ali's current stance? In a conversation with Variety, the Oscar-winning actor delivered a brief and vague update unlikely to reassure fans eager for news. "You'll have to ask Marvel," Ali remarked. "I'm prepared. Let them know I'm ready."
The Hollywood Reporter also sought an update from Ali. He shared a bit more, but his comments still suggest significant delays.
"I would be thrilled for 'Blade' to move forward, but I'm uncertain about Marvel's current plans," he stated. "Right now, I'm simply focused on finding my next compelling role."
Several individuals previously attached to the project have commented on its apparent halt. In April, rapper and artist Flying Lotus discussed his involvement on X/Twitter, revealing that the original version of the film seems to be shelved. "I guess we're so far from it being a possibility now, but yeah, I was signed on to compose music for the new 'Blade' before it fell through," he explained. "Maybe it'll be revived, but I doubt it. It would have been fun, though."
The day before Flying Lotus's post, costume designer Ruth E. Carter, known for 'Sinners,' confirmed on The John Campea Show that she was set to design costumes for 'Blade' before production stalled. She also noted the film was intended to be set in the 1920s.
Additionally, actor Delroy Lindo, who was once slated to co-star with Ali in the film, shared his perspective on the project's collapse just days before Carter's interview.
"When Marvel approached me, they seemed genuinely interested in my input," Lindo told Entertainment Weekly. "Discussions with the producers, writer, and director at the time were very collaborative and exciting, both conceptually and for the character's development. But then, for reasons unknown, it all derailed."
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In other Marvel news, 'Deadpool & Wolverine' became a massive box office hit, grossing $1.3 billion worldwide. The film featured a cameo from Wesley Snipes reprising his role as Blade. Star Ryan Reynolds has since advocated for a proper send-off film for Snipes's version of the character, similar to 'Logan' for Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. Reynolds credited the original 'Blade' film and its sequels with paving the way for the modern superhero genre.
"There would be no Fox Marvel Universe or MCU without 'Blade' first carving out a market," Reynolds posted on X/Twitter. "He's the godfather of Marvel movies. Let's get him a 'Logan'-style finale."
