As a die-hard Marvel fan and someone who grew up watching Wesley Snipes’ Blade movies, I can’t help but feel a twinge of excitement at the prospect of two Blades coexisting in the MCU. It’s not every day that we get to see our favorite superheroes from different eras share the same screen space, and the multiverse concept offers just that opportunity.
1998 saw Wesley Snipes’ character Blade stride into a frenzied vampire party, annihilating a group of bloodsuckers and leaving no room for second thoughts. Though the follow-up films to Stephen Norrington’s “Blade,” including “Blade II” (a masterpiece by Guillermo del Toro) and “Blade: Trinity,” had varying degrees of success, fans remain passionate about Snipes’ Daywalker character and eagerly anticipate a potential “Blade 4.” His well-received cameo in “Deadpool and Wolverine” has rekindled excitement for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as his witty line, “There’s only been one Blade and there’s only ever gonna be one Blade,” suggests that nothing is impossible when it comes to bringing the iconic character back.
It sounds like a no-brainer for fans and commentators alike, but there are other factors to take into consideration here. Namely, what in the world is happening with Mahershala Ali’s “Blade”? That project appears to circle the drain at Marvel Studios every other week, as no one manages to stick around for longer than a hot minute. The other question is: Does Snipes even want to do “Blade 4”? After all, there’s no point in skating uphill then.
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but ponder the potential return of Wesley Snipes as Blade in one final, blood-pumping adventure against the vampires. If by any chance this movie doesn’t deliver an R-rated experience, it might not be worth discussing, folks.
Why isn’t Blade 4 happening yet?
2008 marked the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which opened up a chance for Marvel characters to exist together seamlessly. It took time for Marvel Studios to secure character rights, and even now there are ongoing legal complexities regarding certain heroes and villains. However, in 2014, talks about a possible “Blade 4” film sparked excitement among fans, who speculated whether Wesley Snipes would reprise his role as Blade or if Marvel Studios was considering a new actor for the character. The question was finally answered at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con International when it was revealed that Mahershala Ali would take on the role in the upcoming MCU “Blade” remake.
Everyone knew filling Snipes’ boots as Blade would take a special actor. However, considering Ali’s pedigree as a multiple Oscar winner and celebrated actor, no one could deny Marvel Studios chose a more than adequate replacement here. Not too long after the casting became official, Snipes issued a statement to ComicBook.com. While he admitted the news caught him off guard, he didn’t have any problems with it and thanked his fans for their longstanding support. He added: “Congratulations and Salaam to Mahershala Ali, a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come.”
Blade: Trinity wasn’t fun for anyone
The movie business thrives on juicy rumors, and nothing beats the intriguing tales surrounding Wesley Snipes during the filming of “Blade: Trinity.” Supposedly, according to Patton Oswalt, who played Hedges in the film, Snipes exhibited unusual behavior on set. It’s said that he even had a heated altercation with writer-director David S. Goyer. Later, Goyer declined to confirm or deny Oswalt’s account, but he did admit that nobody seemed to have enjoyed working on “Blade: Trinity,” including himself.
In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, Snipes firmly refuted any allegations of physically harming Goyer. He asserted, “If I had attempted to choke David Goyer, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now. A muscular black man choking the director of a film would likely end up in jail, that much is certain.” Snipes also cast doubt on Oswalt’s account of events, implying that people tend to assume the black individual is always at fault. Furthermore, Snipes emphasized his significant influence as an executive producer over the movie’s development, which stirred some controversy.
In spite of the backstage turmoil and unfavorable critiques, “Blade: Trinity” managed to perform reasonably well at the box office, earning $132 million globally from an initial investment of $65 million. However, the production’s troubled history and the subsequent prison sentence of its star, Wesley Snipes, unfortunately pushed back the timeline for “Blade 4” to start filming.
What Wesley Snipes has said about a sequel
Even after “Blade: Trinity” hit theaters in 2004, Wesley Snipes continued to be associated with the character Daywalker. In 2014, he expressed interest in making “Blade 4”, sharing potential concepts for the film if it were to be made. Rumors swirled that same year suggesting Snipes would don the black sunglasses and wield his sword again for a sequel, with a proposed pay of $3 million and a piece of the earnings.
Indeed, none of these events transpired, and fans speculated whether Snipes might reprise his Blade character, embarking on the Demeter for what seemed like a final journey. However, we’re left wondering: How real was this possibility or merely unsubstantiated rumors and fervent wishes?
As stated by Snipes, he engaged in both significant and casual discussions over the years. He explained to Entertainment Weeky that their conversations have been quite intriguing, some of them deeply substantial while others were less so. “In essence, I feel it’s time for me to part ways with them,” he said. “I completed three of these projects, and I believe they turned out well. Not bad… So we now proceed to other ventures, and ones that are even larger and superior.
Deadpool and Wolverine reignited the hype for Wesley Snipes’ Blade
As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got some insights to share with Marvel, based on my experience watching “Deadpool and Wolverine.” The most crucial lesson here is simple: Deliver what fans are craving for. The summer blockbuster status of this superhero film was earned through the infectious energy of the NSYNC-inspired opening, a general positive vibe, and shocking, unanticipated appearances that left everyone in awe. Channing Tatum’s Gambit certainly made an impact, and Henry Cavill’s growls were spot on, but the true highlight was when Wesley Snipes’ Blade entered the scene. It showed us that even after two decades, Snipes still embodies the essence of the character – that unique charm that can’t be replicated or purchased.
Furthermore, his image also served as an additional delightful reminder of how “Blade” revolutionized superhero films without much fanfare. When it was initially released in 1998, the genre was experiencing one of its troughs following the release of “Batman & Robin” in 1997, which left audiences feeling chilly towards comic book movies. “Blade” stood in stark contrast to what had come before, offering a more mature and gritty take on the genre that demonstrated it could be something far beyond merely a platform for marketing toys and kids’ meals.
Given the ongoing discussions about superhero fatigue and the apparent wane of comic book movies, it seems quite serendipitous that Snipes’ Blade resurfaced when the genre was in dire need of a jolt to rejuvenate its energy. Unsurprisingly, this revival also sparked renewed interest among fans for more adventures featuring the original Daywalker.
What Ryan Reynolds has said about Blade 4
It seemed like Wesley Snipes and Ryan Reynolds would never collaborate again after their apparent disagreements on the set of “Blade: Trinity.” However, despite the challenges faced during filming, it was this very project that paved the way for Reynolds’ opportunity to play Deadpool. The studio executive recognized the resemblance between Hannibal King and the Merc with the Mouth, making “Blade: Trinity” a stepping stone for Reynolds, leading him to the role of Deadpool.
Twenty years after the original release, Reynolds extended a helping hand by inviting Snipes to reprise his role as Blade in the movie “Deadpool and Wolverine”. This was what Snipes shared in July 2024: Reynolds reached out via text message, followed by a phone conversation about the project. At first, Snipes doubted if he could return due to Mahershala Ali’s “Blade” film, but Reynolds eased his concerns, suggesting it was feasible if Snipes agreed to the offer.
Following the debut of “Deadpool and Wolverine,” Reynolds took to X (previously known as Twitter) and shared pictures with Snipes, subtly advocating for a fitting farewell for Snipes in “Blade 4.” Reynolds’ post read: “There wouldn’t be a Fox Marvel Universe or MCU without Blade paving the way. He’s Marvel’s father figure. Please retweet to request a ‘Logan’-style sendoff.” Reynolds’ initial message garnered over 100,000 reshares on the social platform.
What could be explored in a fourth Blade movie?
Over the course of the three “Blade” films, the character known as Daywalker encountered Deacon Frost, blood-sucking mutant vampires, and even Dracula, the ultimate vampire. Since death in comic book movies can be as tenuous as employment stability in today’s world, any of Blade’s past adversaries might reappear in “Blade 4.
In another twist, Ryan Reynolds proposes an ideal setup for the sequel: A film reminiscent of “Logan”. The James Mangold-directed “Logan”, featuring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, offered a poignant farewell, wrapping up his story in a profound and emotional tale. Just like how “Blade 4” might mark Eric Brooks’ final fight, giving everything for the sake of humanity.
An additional scenario from the 1998 movie “Blade” exists, potentially serving as a foundation for a sequel. In this unused ending, Blade encounters Morbius on a rooftop, hinting at a thrilling confrontation between them. Despite plans by director Stephen Norrington and screenwriter David S. Goyer to make Morbius the primary antagonist in “Blade II”, Guillermo del Toro had different ideas. It’s possible that their original concept could be revisited in “Blade 4”, offering a highly anticipated fight for the ages. However, let’s avoid any confusion: Jared Leto’s interpretation of Morbius should not be included in this hypothetical storyline.
Who would star in the sequel?
To make “Blade 4” successful, Wesley Snipes must reprise his role as the Daywalker. If he doesn’t return, it seems the movie may lose its essence and purpose, don’t you think? Given the complications that arose during “Blade: Trinity,” it’s doubtful that David S. Goyer, who wrote all the previous Blade films, would be involved in this new project. Yet, as we know from Hollywood, unexpected events can occur, so one should never rule anything out completely.
One possibility for paraphrasing that sentence is: Jessica Biel, who played Abigail Whistler in “Blade: Trinity,” might join Snipes again if there’s another installment of the series. In an interview with Blackfilm.com back in 2004, she expressed her enthusiasm for a potential “Nightstalkers” spinoff movie by saying, “We had such a great time that we just said, ‘Let’s do it.’ It would be another fun project, getting in shape and spending time together to make a cool movie. So I’d love to step back into the role of Abigail for another film.” Although a “Nightstalkers” film may not happen, Biel might get another chance to reprise her character in “Blade 4,” should it ever be produced.
It’s possible that Ryan Reynolds could team up with Snipes and Biel too. His enthusiastic social media activity about supporting Snipes in another “Blade” film suggests he enjoyed spending time with him, which might spark his curiosity to return to the set. However, it remains unclear whether he would resume his role as Hannibal King or make an appearance as Deadpool instead.
Wesley Snipes stoked the flames of fandom
Despite Wesley Snipes expressing his backing for Mahershala Ali’s “Blade” reboot, his comments have not ceased when the project seems to be veering off course. Coincidentally, as a major report surfaced about the issues plaguing the production in June 2024, Snipes shared this message on X: “Blade, [heaven help us]. Seems like everyone’s still searching for the secret ingredient, zooming snowmobiles through traffic, quite chaotic. Daywalkers make it look effortless, don’t they?
About a month ago, I, (gamer name) Blade, stepped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Deadpool and Wolverine.” Unsurprisingly, speculation started swirling online about Marvel Studios possibly scrapping my reboot and moving forward with me instead. On X, I posted a link to an article discussing this idea along with a chuckle, saying “Y’all, you all are crazy. Hahaha.” Although my comment didn’t explicitly agree or disagree, it caught the attention of several publications as well as fans who were left pondering the situation.
Mahershala Ali’s Blade movie looks more unlikely every day
It appears that the production of the latest “Blade” film is facing more challenges than fans might realize. Ever since its initial development in 2019, it seems like one issue after another has surfaced regarding this Mahershala Ali-led project. From the continuous swapping of directors to the frequent changes in writers, there’s a feeling that Marvel Studios can’t seem to decide on the movie’s direction. Kevin Feige himself has acknowledged these difficulties, stating that everyone involved has been diligently working behind the scenes to determine the kind of film they aim to create.
Even Shelby Weiser, Ali’s lawyer, expressed concern over the delayed film production to The Hollywood Reporter, stating: “It’s been two years since the deal was made, and they haven’t started filming yet, which is one of the most unusual situations I’ve encountered in my career.” Various factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, actors’ strikes, and Marvel Studios’ adjustments due to MCU setbacks have contributed to production delays. However, Weiser’s sentiments mirror those of many others regarding the reboot, and as time passes, the chances of the film coming to fruition seem slim. There might even come a point when Ali decides to step back from the project.
Blade 4 and Mahershala Ali’s Blade can co-exist in the multiverse
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has delved into the unexploited possibilities offered by the multiverse in movies such as “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.” These narratives illustrate that numerous iterations or variations of characters can exist concurrently within the same universe, or even across different ones. This concept serves as a fantastic plot device for filmmakers, allowing them to establish everything as canon and keeping all options open. So, if you’re wondering whether we might see Tobey Maguire reprising his role as Peter Parker in future films, it’s not entirely out of the question. Similarly, Josh Brolin’s Cable could also make a comeback.
As a devoted fan, I can see a potential solution to Marvel Studios’ Daywalker dilemma – they could dive into two productions featuring Blade. Though the production of Mahershala Ali’s “Blade” film has faced delays, it’s hard to imagine Marvel giving up on this project after years of development. On the other hand, the clamor for a fourth Blade movie with Wesley Snipes in the lead role has only intensified since his cameo in “Deadpool and Wolverine.
As I dive deeper into each gaming project, I can’t help but feel like I’m crafting scenes for my very own movie or even a Disney+ series! The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s timeline isn’t just a straight line anymore; it’s more like a sprawling multiverse, giving me the freedom to explore and develop multiple stories revolving around various versions of the same character simultaneously. It’s an exciting journey, to say the least!
Is there only one Blade?
In essence, by bringing back Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in “Deadpool and Wolverine,” the MCU has made it challenging for future actors to convincingly take on the role of Wolverine, a character now deeply associated with Jackman. Similarly, Marvel Studios might face a similar conundrum with Blade and Wesley Snipes, as there’s been little progress on the reboot for more than five years, leaving fans hesitant to embrace Mahershala Ali in the role.
Instead of saying, “Conversely, the response toward Snipes’ return as the Daywalker was universally praised and warmly embraced as his appearance tugged at the nostalgia strings,” you could say, “The reaction to Wesley Snipes reprising his role as the Daywalker was overwhelmingly positive, with many feeling a sense of nostalgia upon seeing him.
Ultimately, it’s Marvel Studios who will decide the fate of the ball. Ryan Reynolds’ suggestion for “Blade 4” as a film similar to “Logan,” might be an appealing option. This could provide an opportunity for Wesley Snipes to gracefully exit the series and give Blade a proper conclusion. Without a doubt, the likelihood of Snipes returning for another movie is significantly greater now than it has been in more than ten years.
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2024-09-28 14:30