Summary

  • Marvel's Blade reboot is on hold, but writer David S. Goyer is eager to bring it to life if given the chance.
  • Mahershala Ali was set to play Blade, but the project has seemingly been put on ice.
  • Despite cancellation rumors, Marvel still wants Ali as Blade, potentially in another MCU project, to keep the fan-favorite character alive.

One of Marvel's most anticipated projects—Blade—has made no progress in years. So, the screenwriter of the 1990s original shared their enthusiasm to help the project materialize.

This year, Marvel Studios has three entries into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) — Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts*, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Its second flick had just been released and immediately dominated the box office on its opening weekend. Thunderbolts* performed better than Anthony Mackie's Captain America, and while everyone is still on cloud nine because of the success , one writer expressed interest in working on an MCU project rumored to have been shelved quietly. If the project goes through, fans will surely be ecstatic, as it has been over five years since it was first announced.

Blade MCU Release Date Delay Mahershala Ali Reaction
The MCU Blade Movie May Be On Pause, But There's Reportedly One Aspect Staying The Same

Marvel Studios still has plans for Mahershala Ali's Blade despite reports that his film was canceled

David S. Goyer, the writer of Wesley Snipes' Blade trilogy, spoke with ScreenRant about the reboot. He was asked whether he would work on the project should Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige ask him to do so. Goyer, who is already familiar with the vampire hunter's story after writing Snipes' trilogy and directing Blade: Trinity in 2004, admitted that he was open to returning to the Marvel Universe. "I would. I've always loved the character, and I love him," he said in response to the question. The writer and filmmaker even admitted he was wondering why it was taking so long for the reboot to be released. He explained:

I've been sitting on the sidelines wondering, 'What in the world is going on? Why is it taking so long?' Because I'm a huge Marvel fan myself, and I've just been totally puzzled.

Feige announced the Blade reboot at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con with Mahershala Ali taking on the titular character. Ali was present at the event wearing a Blade baseball cap. However, six years later, there has been no solid update about the reboot after removing it from Marvel Studios' 2025 release calendar. An insider has claimed it was already canceled, but that Marvel still wanted Ali to take on the role in some form. Meaning he could appear as Blade in another MCU project, but not in a solo movie. The cancellation rumors intensified after one of the Blade stars shared a disappointing update about the film. Delroy Lindo shared some details of his character in the anticipated MCU movie, saying it was "exciting." However, he didn't give concrete details about the project's progress, other than saying that it "went off the rails."

David S. Goyer Is Wondering What Is Taking Marvel So Long With Blade, Just Like The Rest Of Us

Mahershala Ali with the Blade logo

Marvel hasn't officially announced the cancellation of Ali's Blade, suggesting that it might still be in the works but not a priority. Several sources claimed it was already canceled quietly, but Marvel Studios still wanted to keep Ali and have him portray the Daywalker in other films. So, Ali is still very much attached to the fan-favorite character. With Goyer showing interest in the project, it could eventually see the light of day.

There are rumors that Ali has been picky with the script, which is among the reasons for the delay. Goyer is already familiar with the Blade universe, so he could deliver a screenplay that Ali and Feige will likely approve. Also, Goyer is a beloved name in superhero film, having worked on Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy as well. As for Blade, when Snipes reprised the role in Deadpool & Wolverine, it created so much hype that Marvel simply has to find a way to bring the vampire hunter back to the big screen. Hopefully, Ali will finally get his Blade film sometime soon.

Marvel Studios Blade Movie Logo-1
RUMOR: Marvel Studios Has Quietly Canceled This Highly-Anticipated Movie

Marvel Studios has reportedly decided to cancel one of its most anticipated MCU films, but the character might be introduced in another project.

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Source: ScreenRant