The writer of the Wesley Snipes' Blade trilogy, David S. Goyer, has expressed his readiness to assist Marvel chief Kevin Feige in reviving Mahershala Ali's stalled MCU reboot of the iconic vampire hunter. The project, which was first announced at San Diego Comic Con in 2019, has faced numerous setbacks and is currently on an indefinite hold.
Recent comments from those involved in the project have shed light on its uncertain future. Rapper and artist Flying Lotus, who was set to compose the film's music, shared on X/Twitter that the project has been abandoned. "I guess we are so far from it even being a possibility now but. Yeah I was signed on to write music for the new BLADE movie before it fell thru," he stated, adding that while he doubts it will come back, it would have been a fun endeavor.
Costume designer Ruth E. Carter, who was to work on the film, confirmed on The John Campea Show that she was preparing to design costumes for a 1920s-set Blade, a setting that promised unique and exciting design opportunities. Actor Delroy Lindo, who was also attached to the project, shared with Entertainment Weekly that the initial enthusiasm and inclusivity in the development process eventually derailed for unspecified reasons.
Despite the project cycling through multiple directors, including Yann Demange and Bassam Tariq, none have stayed on. Goyer, who penned the original trilogy and directed Blade: Trinity, expressed his confusion and eagerness to contribute to the reboot, stating, "I would... I’ve always loved the character and I love him. I’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering, ‘What in the world is going on? Why is it taking so long?’"
Blade was removed from Marvel's release schedule seven months ago, and no new release date has been set. However, Kevin Feige has reaffirmed Marvel's commitment to the project, emphasizing their love for the character and Mahershala Ali's interpretation of him. "We are committed to Blade. We love the character, we love Mahershala's take on him. And rest assured: whenever we change direction with a project, or are still figuring out how it fits into our schedule, we let the audience know. You're all up to date on what's happening," Feige stated in an interview with Omelete in November 2024.
In related news, the MCU film Deadpool & Wolverine, which featured a cameo by Wesley Snipes reprising his role as Blade, was a massive success, grossing $1.3 billion globally. Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds has advocated for a send-off film for Snipes' Blade, similar to Hugh Jackman's Logan, acknowledging the original Blade's pivotal role in paving the way for superhero cinema. "There is no Fox Marvel Universe or MCU without Blade first creating a market," Reynolds tweeted, urging fans to support a "Logan-like send-off" for the character.
Additionally, Reynolds is reportedly in the early stages of developing a Deadpool and X-Men ensemble film, where Deadpool would share the spotlight with other X-Men characters, allowing them to be "used in unexpected ways."
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