Marvel Studios’ upcoming film adaptation of the “Blade” comic books has found a new director with Yann Demange! In late September, previously announced director Bassam Tariq (“Mogul Mowgli”) exited the project due to issues with scheduling. In early October, Marvel Studios announced they would be pausing production until a new director was found. Which is often a very risky move for studios, but one source claimed they were taking their time because they “want to really get it right.”
Production on “Blade” was supposed to start this month but instead, the studio took the time to revamp the script and refine the team behind the new film. “Lovecraft Country” and “White Boy Rick” director Demange joining the crew is not the only change-up that happened. Michael Starrbury (“Colin in Black & White”) will be replacing Stacy Osei-Kuffour (“Watchmen”) as writer. Starrbury has also said the new “Blade” will be “darker than most MCU movies,” which sounds totally on-brand for the character.
“Blade” is still set to star Oscar winner Mahershala Ali as the titular character, along with Delroy Lindo, and Aaron Pierre.
Ali has been with the production since it was announced at San Diego Comic-Con in July. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige explained that “Blade” was expected to round out Phase Five. This would be alongside the much anticipated “Deadpool 3” which is set to debut on November 8th, 2024. Phase Six is set to kick off with the “Fantastic Four” in 2025. So even with the delays, “Blade” still fits into the original plan.
Shooting for “Blade” is now scheduled to resume in Atlanta next year. Marvel Studios/Disney have also pushed back the release date from November 3rd, 2023 to September 6th, 2024. Probably to accommodate the delay in production and make sure the film isn’t rushed with less than a year to finish.
Stay tuned to Nerdbot for more updates as they become available.
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