The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) announced Mahershala Ali as the new Blade five years ago, sparking excitement among fans. However, the project has faced numerous production challenges since then. With Ali’s film now scheduled for a 2025 release, fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and updates.
Wesley Snipes’ Surprising Return in Deadpool & Wolverine
Wesley Snipes made a surprising cameo as Blade in the recent MCU movie, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” catching fans off guard. The unexpected appearance was particularly shocking given the rumored feud between Snipes and Ryan Reynolds during the filming of “Blade: Trinity.” Moreover, many believed Marvel would not greenlight Snipes’ return since Mahershala Ali had already been cast as the new Blade.
Ali’s Blade: Stuck in Production Limbo
Ali was announced as the new Blade at the 2019 Comic-Con, but the film has since been mired in behind-the-scenes issues. The movie has seen multiple changes in writers and directors, causing significant delays. Originally, Bassam Tariq and Watchmen fame Stacy Osei-Kuffour were attached as director and screenwriter. However, Tariq left the project due to delays, leading to further disruptions.
In 2022, Yann Demange was brought in to direct, with Michael Starrbury and later Nic Pizzolatto handling the script. By November 2023, Michael Green was hired to write a new script, but as of June 2024, Demange has exited the film, and Eric Pearson is now the current writer. This long gap even saw Ali make an uncredited cameo as Blade in “Eternals.”
Fans’ Reaction: Frustration and Comparisons
Fans are not pleased with the situation, especially after seeing Wesley Snipes reprise his role as Blade before Mahershala Ali’s movie could even begin filming. Snipes’ return after two decades, thanks to a call from Ryan Reynolds, has left fans questioning Marvel’s handling of the Blade reboot. The sentiment is that Marvel is treating an Oscar-winning actor like Mahershala Ali unfairly by continually delaying his film.
One fan shared the Blade announcement video from five years ago, and the comments section was filled with frustration and comparisons to other stalled projects like Channing Tatum’s Gambit. Some fans even joked that GTA 6 would release before the new Blade movie. Here are a few reactions:
- “Hes perfect to play blade too, sucks its taking so long.”
- “He is the modern day Tatum with Gambit lol.”
- “Movie could have been out with a sequel in the works by now man.”
- “We might just get GTA6 before Blade.”
No Updates from Marvel at San Diego Comic-Con
Adding to fans’ frustrations, there was no mention of the Blade movie at the recent San Diego Comic-Con. This lack of updates has left many doubting the 2025 release date, especially with the film still lacking a confirmed director.
Kevin Feige’s Explanation for the Delay
Despite the setbacks, Mahershala Ali remains attached to the project. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige addressed the delays in an interview with Blavity’s Shadow and Act. He emphasized the studio’s commitment to delivering a quality film, which has contributed to the prolonged production time. Feige acknowledged the frustrations but reassured fans that progress is being made.
“We are committed to the movie, and we’re so committed to it that we’re not going to make it until it’s right, which has been frustrating for us, and for some fans, because it’s taken a while. We have a writer working on it now. I’ve read half of his new draft, and it’s feeling good so far,” Feige shared.
When asked about the possibility of Wesley Snipes making a cameo in the Blade film, Feige explained that he didn’t want to overshadow Mahershala Ali, who has been dedicated to the project for years. Additionally, Mia Goth has been confirmed for a role in the film.
As fans eagerly await the release of Mahershala Ali’s Blade, the delays and unexpected developments continue to stir frustration. Wesley Snipes’ return as Blade has only added to the anticipation and impatience. With Marvel committed to getting the film right, fans hope the wait will ultimately be worth it. For now, they can only speculate and express their discontent while counting down to the projected 2025 release.