Marvel fans have been eagerly awaiting the MCU’s Blade reboot since its announcement at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019. With two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali set to step into the role of the iconic vampire hunter, anticipation was sky-high. Yet, six years later, the project remains stuck in development limbo, leaving fans and Ali himself yearning for progress. At the recent New York premiere of his upcoming blockbuster Jurassic World Rebirth, Ali shared a candid update on Blade, signaling his unwavering commitment to the project while expressing uncertainty about Marvel’s next steps. Here’s everything we know about the troubled reboot and why hope persists for the Daywalker’s return.
A Long and Winding Road for Blade
The journey to bring Blade back to the big screen has been anything but smooth. Announced with much fanfare, the reboot promised to reintroduce the half-human, half-vampire hero, originally portrayed by Wesley Snipes, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ali’s casting was a major coup, given his acclaimed performances in films like Moonlight and Green Book. However, the project has faced significant hurdles, from creative shake-ups to scheduling conflicts to the old script being thrown out and everything in between. Here’s a breakdown of the key challenges:
- Directorial Departures: The film has lost two directors—Bassam Tariq, who exited due to scheduling conflicts, and Yann Demange, who left in June 2024. These changes have disrupted momentum and left the project without a clear creative vision.
- Script Struggles: Multiple writers, including Beau DeMayo (X-Men ‘97), Michael Starrbury (When They See Us), and Nic Pizzolatto (True Detective), have taken stabs at the script, but none have delivered a version that satisfies all parties. David S. Goyer, writer of the original Blade trilogy, expressed bafflement at the delays, noting the story should be “simple” with “insane ass-kicking” and an R rating.
- Release Date Woes: Initially slated for November 3, 2023, Blade was pushed to September 2024, then February 2025, and finally November 7, 2025, before being removed entirely from Disney’s release calendar in October 2024.
- External Setbacks: The 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes further delayed pre-production, halting progress just as filming was set to begin in Atlanta.
Despite these obstacles, Ali remains steadfast, telling Variety at the Jurassic World Rebirth premiere, “Call Marvel. I’m ready. Let them know I’m ready.” His enthusiasm underscores his passion for the role, which he personally pitched to Marvel, even making a cameo as Blade’s voice in Eternals’ post-credits scene.
Ali’s Optimism and What’s Next
At the Jurassic World Rebirth premiere, Ali struck a hopeful yet pragmatic tone. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he said, “I’m just taking it a day at a time,” acknowledging the uncertainty around Blade’s status. “I would love for Blade to happen; we’ll see, I don’t know where Marvel is at right now,” he added to IGN. His comments reflect a mix of patience and eagerness, tempered by the reality of Marvel’s crowded slate, which includes three films in 2025: Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts(The New Avengers), and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Final Thoughts
The Blade reboot remains one of the MCU’s most anticipated projects of the MCU as this will lead to the development of the Midnight Sons teaming forming. As Marvel navigates its Phase 6 slate, the question remains: will Blade finally rise from development hell? Ali’s readiness offer a glimmer of hope, but only time will tell if the Daywalker will reclaim his place in the MCU. For now, fans can catch Ali in Jurassic World Rebirth, hitting theaters July 2, 2025, and keep their fingers crossed for a call to Marvel that gets Blade back on track.
