*Mahershala Ali remains steadfast in his desire to portray the iconic vampire hunter Blade in Marvel’s long-delayed reboot, even as the project faces ongoing challenges.
As Variety reports, the project was announced in 2019, and the film has struggled with multiple director changes, cast departures, and a shifting release schedule. Ali, however, is undeterred. “Call Marvel,” the two-time Oscar winner urged at the New York premiere of “Jurassic World Rebirth,” adding, “I’m ready. Let them know I’m ready.”
Unlike other Marvel projects announced around the same time, the “Blade” reboot has yet to enter production. It was ultimately removed from Disney’s release calendar after being scheduled first for November 3, 2023, and later for November 7, 2025.
Filmmaker Bassam Tariq exited as director in September 2022, just before production was slated to begin, and Yann Demanger later joined but has also since left. Delroy Lindo was once attached to the film, but has similarly moved on.
Lindo, reflecting on his time with the project, told Entertainment Weekly in April, “It was really exciting conceptually, but it was also exciting in terms of the character that was going to form. And then, for whatever reason, it just went off the rails.”
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He described early discussions with Marvel as inclusive, noting, “When Marvel came to me, they seemed to be really interested in my input.” Lindo hinted that his character would have led a Black community, akin to his role as Marcus Gravey in Sinners, though not a direct parallel. Despite his departure, he remains optimistic, stating, “I told my son and his friends, you never know who’s watching. Always do your best. Somebody may come back around.”
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige reaffirmed the studio’s commitment at Disney’s D23 Brazil event in November, saying, “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.”
Ali himself expressed cautious optimism in December 2023, stating, “I’m really encouraged with the direction of the project. We’ll be back at it relatively soon.”
As “Blade” continues to face an uncertain future, Ali’s determination keeps hope alive for fans eager to see the Daywalker return to the MCU.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Marvel’s Kevin Feige Shares Update About Future of ‘Blade’ Reboot Starring Mahershala Ali
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