San Diego, California – “Blade,” Marvel’s iconic vampire slayer, has had a tumultuous journey to the big screen, spanning various changes and delays. The film, starring Mahershala Ali as the titular character, encountered numerous obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic and guild strikes, causing multiple release date shifts, director changes, and screenplay adjustments. Despite the challenges, Marvel Studios remains committed to bringing “Blade” to fruition with Ali in the lead role.
In July 2019, Marvel Studios unveiled plans for a “Blade” reboot, with Ali set to star in the film. The announcement generated excitement among fans, although no director or screenwriter was initially attached to the project. Following a series of setbacks, including director departures and screenplay revisions, “Blade” faced several delays in production, leading to changes in its release timeline.
On July 19, 2021, Bassam Tariq signed on as the director, bringing his talents to the project. However, just over a year later, in September 2022, Tariq unexpectedly exited the film, creating a new challenge for the production. Despite this setback, Yann Demange took over as the director in November 2022, signaling a fresh start for “Blade.”
As the film continued to navigate through development, it experienced further changes, including cast additions and screenplay rewrites. With each new development, the anticipation for “Blade” grew, as fans eagerly awaited the day when the iconic vampire hunter would grace the silver screen once again.
In the midst of uncertainties and delays, Mahershala Ali expressed his optimism for the project, highlighting the dedication of the team involved in bringing “Blade” to life. With each twist and turn in its tumultuous journey, “Blade” remains a highly anticipated addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, promising to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience to audiences worldwide.