In 2019, Marvel Studios announced it would be rebooting “Blade,” starring Mahershala Ali (“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”). Six years later, and we are still waiting. David S. Goyer, who penned the original trilogy starring Wesley Snipes and directed the 3rd film, has now thrown his hat into the ring.
When asked what Marvel would need to to successfully get the reboot made, Goyer responded, “Give me a call.” When asked if he’d write it, he responded in the affirmative. “I would. I’ve always loved the character and I love him,” Goyer told ScreenRant. “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.”
It’s no secret the “Blade” reboot has had a rocky production. Bassam Tariq (“Mogul Mowgli”) was originally attached to direct but left in September 2022 due to scheduling conflicts. Yann Demange (“Lovecraft Country”) came on to direct soon after, but he also left in June 2024.
The turnover with writers isn’t much better, considering Stacy Osei-Kuffour (“Watchmen”) was replaced by Michael Starrbury (“Colin in Black & White”). Since then, Starrbury and reportedly several other writers have left the film.
Will There Ever Be A New “Blade”?
Studio head Kevin Feige insists all of these delays and lineup changes are to ensure a better film. “I mean, for the last two years as we’ve been trying to crack that movie, the most important thing for us is not rushing it and making sure we are making the right ‘Blade’ movie,” he told BlackTree TV (via Variety) last summer.
“We are committed to Blade,” Feige told Omelete (via IGN). “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. But I can tell you that the character will indeed make it to the MCU.”
Marvel Studios removing “Blade” from its release calendar last fall backs up Feige’s remarks about not rushing. But it also looks like a project that is just dead in the water without some divine intervention. Divine intervention that seems to be coming in the form of Goyer.
We’ll keep you posted on updates about the “Blade” reboot if/when the project starts to develop.
