David S. Goyer, writer of the Wesley Snipes Blade trilogy, has expressed readiness to assist Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige in reviving Mahershala Ali’s long-delayed MCU Blade reboot.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe project has faced numerous setbacks, leaving its future uncertain with little indication of resuming production anytime soon.
Last month, musician and filmmaker Flying Lotus shared on X / Twitter his involvement in the project, revealing that the Blade film he was set to score has effectively collapsed. “I was signed on to compose music for the new BLADE film before it fell apart,” said the director of Shudder’s sci-fi horror ASH. “Maybe it’ll resurface, but I’m skeptical. It would’ve been exciting.”
The previous day, Sinners costume designer Ruth E. Carter, during an appearance on The John Campea Show, confirmed she was tasked with creating costumes for Blade before its production unraveled. Notably, the film was envisioned to take place in the 1920s, promising striking costume and production design.
Actor Delroy Lindo, once attached to star alongside Ali, also recently discussed the project’s downfall in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “Marvel seemed genuinely open to my ideas,” he said. “The discussions with producers, the writer, and the director at the time were promising and inclusive. The concept was thrilling, but for reasons unknown, it derailed.”
Announced at San Diego Comic Con in 2019, Blade was initially slated for release this November. The project has seen multiple directors, including Yann Demange and Bassam Tariq, come and go without advancing the film.
In a recent ScreenRant interview, David S. Goyer, who penned the original Blade trilogy and directed Blade: Trinity in 2004, expressed confusion over the delays. “I’d jump at the chance to write it,” Goyer said. “I love the character and have been wondering why it’s taking so long. As a Marvel fan, I’m baffled.”
Seven months ago, Blade was removed from Marvel’s release schedule, with no new date confirmed. However, in a November 2024 interview with Omelete, Feige reaffirmed Marvel’s commitment to the project. “We’re dedicated to Blade and Mahershala’s vision for the character,” he said. “We keep fans informed about any changes, and I assure you, Blade will find his place in the MCU.”
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The recent MCU hit Deadpool & Wolverine, featuring a cameo by Snipes as Blade, grossed $1.3 billion globally. Star Ryan Reynolds has advocated for a final Blade film for Snipes, similar to Hugh Jackman’s Logan.
Reynolds emphasized Blade’s foundational role in superhero cinema, stating on X/Twitter, “Without Blade’s success in 1998 and its sequels, there’d be no Fox Marvel Universe or MCU. He’s the original Marvel hero. Let’s give him a proper send-off.”
Reports from THR indicate Reynolds is in the “early stages” of developing a Deadpool and X-Men ensemble film. The project would spotlight three or four X-Men characters alongside Deadpool, with the latter taking a supporting role to highlight others in surprising ways.
