Marvel Studios’ Blade is generating buzz and excitement, but the road to its release has been paved with twists and turns. The highly anticipated vampire-centric movie, set to introduce Mahershala Ali as the iconic Blade, has encountered delays, director changes, and intriguing connections to the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Delays and Uncertainty Surrounding Blade’s Release
Originally slated for a Sept. 6, 2024 release, Blade has hit a snag due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, leading to an indefinite delay, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. This setback suggests that production won’t resume until the conclusion of the strike, leaving eager fans in suspense about the movie’s debut.
Blade’s initial release date was Nov. 3, 2023, but a significant shift occurred when Disney replaced the original director, leading to a subsequent postponement. The Hollywood Reporter indicates that Yann Demange, known for his work on HBO’s Lovecraft Country, took the directorial reins after Bassim Tariq’s departure in September 2022.
Mahershala Ali Takes on the Role of Blade
Mahershala Ali, renowned for his standout performances in True Detective, The Green Book, and Moonlight, steps into the shoes of the vampire hunter Blade. The ensemble cast also includes Mia Goth, Delroy Lindo, and Aaron Pierre in undisclosed roles.
Nic Pizzolatto’s Pen Shapes Blade’s Narrative
The narrative of Blade is shrouded in mystery, with no official details revealed by Marvel or Kevin Feige. However, the screenplay is in the capable hands of Nic Pizzolatto, the mastermind behind the acclaimed True Detective series and 2021’s The Guilty.
Blade’s MCU Connection and Post-Credits Tease in The Eternals
Mahershala Ali’s Blade made a tantalizing (voice-only) appearance in a post-credits scene for The Eternals, linking the vampire hunter to the MCU’s larger tapestry. The scene features Blade engaging with Dane Whitman, portrayed by Kit Harington, as he unveils the Ebony Blade, setting the stage for potential collaborations with other supernatural heroes.
While The Eternals embark on cosmic adventures, Blade seems poised to remain Earth-bound, potentially teaming up with street-level supernatural heroes like Black Knight, Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing, and Moon Knight.
Blade: Reboot, Not Remake
Contrary to being a mere remake, Blade represents a reboot of the vampire-killing superhero’s cinematic journey. The original trilogy, initiated in 1998 with Wesley Snipes as Blade, set the stage for a new chapter in the character’s legacy. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the trilogy was marked by bombastic vampire action.
The Question of Wesley Snipes’ Return
Speculation looms regarding Wesley Snipes, the original Blade actor, making a cameo in Mahershala Ali’s iteration. While there’s been no indication from Marvel or Snipes himself, the door remains open. Snipes, expressing surprise at Marvel’s 2019 announcement, conveyed admiration for Ali and left the possibility of collaboration in the future.
In the words of Wesley Snipes, “nah fret nah worry, it’s not de end of de story.” The Daywalker Klique eagerly awaits the next chapter in Blade’s saga, anticipating the union of past and present in the vampire-infested realms of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.