Marvel’s Troubled Blade Reboot May Have a New Director

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As a longtime Marvel fan who has witnessed the evolution of comic book movies since the early days, I must say that I’m caught in a bit of a quandary regarding the upcoming Blade reboot starring Mahershala Ali. On one hand, I’ve been eagerly anticipating this project ever since it was first announced at San Diego Comic-Con back in 2019. The idea of seeing Blade return to the big screen is truly exhilarating, especially given the fantastic work that Ali has done in the past.

Ever since Marvel Studios declared at their 2019 San Diego Comic-Con panel that they were planning a fresh take on Blade, the movie has been plagued with issues. Originally slated for release by this point, the production of Blade has gone through extensive script revisions involving at least five different writers. Moreover, two directors have departed from the project. Although fans are speculating if this revamped character will ever emerge beyond a voice-only appearance in the post-credit scene of Eternals, it seems that the reboot might be ready to welcome a new director to steer the project forward.

Based on reports from World of Reel, it was James Samuels’ pitch that stood out among several directors vying for the opportunity to direct the film. Notably, Samuels previously directed the Netflix Western Feature The Harder They Fall in 2021, which showcased a performance by Jonathan Majors, who was recently let go from the role of Kang the Conqueror, along with Marvel veterans Idris Elba and Zazie Beets. The star-studded cast also included LaKetih Stanfield and Regina King.

If the rumors are correct and Samuel Jackson is indeed set to take on another Blade movie, it seems he’ll have better conditions than his predecessor directors Bassim Tariq and Yann Demange. The script, which has been extensively revised by writers Stacy Osei-Kuffour, Michael Starrbury, Nic Pizzolatto, and Michael Green, is said to be well-received by everyone involved, with Thor: Ragnarok and Black Widow scribe Eric Pearson being the latest contributor. Even the lead actor, who initially found the script unsatisfying enough to delay production for over a year, is now reportedly ready to commence filming, with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige indicating that this project is a top priority for him.

Do Audiences Want a New Blade?

Initially, the news that Blade was being rebooted with Ali taking up the role sparked immense excitement at SDCC and across the internet. However, a lot has evolved in the past five years. The most significant change is the unexpected comeback of Wesley Snipes, who originated the role in the Blade trilogy, reprising it this summer in the blockbuster hit, Deadpool & Wolverine.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but express my excitement over Wesley Snipes’ comeback in the world of comic book films, particularly with the hints that his Blade is the unique and unparalleled one amidst numerous variations. Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, ever the witty character, acknowledged the elephant in the room, creating a buzz among fans about the necessity of a new Blade.

Indeed, Reynolds himself has been open with the press that he thinks Snipes deserves to be given a fourth film. Calling on his large following on X/Twitter, Reynolds tweeted “There is no Fox Marvel Universe or MCU without Blade first creating a market. He’s Marvel Daddy. Please retweet for a Logan-like send off.” To date, the tweet has been retweeted 102k times.

Blade
starring Mahershala Ali is scheduled to be released on November 7, 2025.

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2024-09-29 04:03