Film starring Mahershala Ali has suffered from numerous production problems and seems barely getting off the ground
When announcing its projects for the so-called Multiverse saga, in 2019, the Marvel Studios confirmed that it would perform a reboot of Bladethe famous half-human, half-vampire from the publisher’s comics. Mahershala Ali He was in charge of bringing the character to life on the big screen.
The initial idea was to release the film in 2023. However, the project suffered from numerous delays and setbacks. The current launch forecast is November 2025 — if new problems do not appear.
Below, check out a timeline with the news and delays suffered by the reboot of Blade in cinemas. The information was compiled from a survey published by IndieWire.
The production of the Blade reboot
2021
Early 2021: Two years after its first announcement, Blade had its director and screenwriter confirmed: Bassim Tariq and Stacy Osei-Kuffourrespectively. The delay would have occurred as a result of the pandemic.
End of 2021/beginning of 2022: the first names of the cast Blade — in addition to Mahershala Ali — are confirmed: Delroy Lindo and Aaron Pierre. The film’s first release date is also announced: November 3, 2023.
2022
September 2022: just two months before starting recording, Bassim Tariq leaves the direction of Blade and becomes executive producer. With this setback, the film is postponed to September 6, 2024.
End of 2022: Beau DeMayocreator of the animation X-Men 97takes over the script and opts for a plot set in the 1920s, but remains in the role for a short time. Right away, Michael Starrbury becomes the new person responsible for the story, while Yann Demange is confirmed as director.
2023
April 2023: Mia Goth is confirmed to play the villain of Blade. In addition, there is a new change of screenwriter, after Marvel cast Nic Pizzolato to the post. The story is set in the present, but Mia Goth remains confirmed.
May 2023: The Hollywood writers’ strike begins, with the actors’ strike coming shortly after. With no other choice, Marvel is forced to halt the already troubled production of Blade.
End of 2023: a report from Variety about the problems experienced by Marvel Studios revealed details of the script for Blade. According to a source from the magazine, the film would, in reality, be a narrative led by women and with many life lessons, with its protagonist relegated to a supporting role in his own feature film.
December 2023: the film is postponed again, now to November 7, 2025. Marvel resumes production with the end of the writers’ and actors’ strike, but chooses to bring another name to sign the script: Michael Green.
2024
First half of 2024: new setbacks… Aaron Pierre confirms having left the Blade cast due to so many changes. Furthermore, Yann Demange resigns as director and the project’s sixth screenwriter is confirmed by Marvel: Eric Pearsona trusted name for the studio.
Blade in the Marvel Universe
Until now, Blade continues with a release scheduled for November 2025. However, the absence of a director and Mahershala Ali’s involvement with the new film by Jurassic World still place question marks around the project.
Kevin FeigeCEO of Marvel Studios, guarantees that none of this is related to Ali’s problems with previously scheduled professionals. The executive even said in the past that the publisher’s current film generation owes a “debt” to the character, as his films were pioneers in relation to several elements used later in the company’s productions. It remains to be seen whether the hero will actually be honored on the big screen.
Collaborated: Augusto Ikeda.
Source: Rollingstone
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
