The journey of Blade to the big screen has been tumultuous, and it appears that the film may not make it to theaters at all. Originally scheduled for release on November 7, 2025—after being delayed from its initial date of November 3, 2023—it currently has no scheduled release, as Predator: Badlands has claimed that date.
Describing the production of Blade as troubled would be an understatement. The project was first revealed at Comic-Con 2019, heralding a reboot of the iconic character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, showcasing Mahershala Ali in the titular role. While this announcement thrilled fans, a series of setbacks soon followed. Initially set to be directed by Bassim Tariq, he vacated the role in September 2022. Yann Demange was then brought on board, only to resign in June 2024. The project has also faced delays linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and the SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Interestingly, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has even poked fun at the Blade delays while simultaneously hinting at a nostalgic return. Wesley Snipes, famed for his role as Blade in earlier films, made a surprise cameo in the hit movie Deadpool and Wolverine, humorously stating, “There’s only one Blade. There’s only ever going to be one Blade.” This has led fans to speculate: Why not create a film featuring Snipes as Blade once again?
Make the new Blade movie with these two. Would make Marvel another billion pic.twitter.com/TCh3pl4cXo
— Jimmy Folino #WhoDey? – BLM, StopAsianHate? ️? (@MrNiceGuy513) October 22, 2024
At this point…… just bring Wesley back in a Midnight Sons movie. You already have Moon Knight and Werewolf by Night established. You got Wesley Snipes back for DP&W. Hell, use the opportunity to pass the torch down to BLOODLINE, Blade’s daughter. https://t.co/PC03c6pOoF pic.twitter.com/NdLYM2991d
— \⊔—⊥ ↃL⊘—ᘰ ꇓL⊘ ：—ᘰ? ️⚧️? (@GwenLovesMovies) October 22, 2024
Just bring back Wesley Snipes and do an Old Man Blade story and call it a day already. Give the fans what they actually want. pic.twitter.com/csftTN0a1g
“Adam Masnyk?” (@AdamMasnyk) October 22, 2024
At this point, just bring Wesley back. “There’s only one Blade” https://t.co/CdrpeC200H
— Th3Birdman (@Th3birdman15) October 22, 2024
Yet, there are numerous considerations that might deter Marvel from this direction. Many still hold high hopes for Mahershala Ali as Blade, a significant draw for audiences initially. With no updates from him or the studio regarding the film’s future, fans are left questioning the reasons behind the delays. It’s puzzling to many how challenging it is to bring a film about a vampire slayer to life, especially with three previous Blade films featuring Snipes under its belt. There’s no shortage of excellent comic material to leverage either.
How is it so hard for Marvel to make a Blade movie? It’s literally just a guy who kills vampires https://t.co/MITImYPUZW
– Large? (@ComicLoverMari) October 22, 2024
I honestly don’t understand how making a Blade movie has been so comically difficult for Marvel https://t.co/1Bpb9rnACH
— Owen Likes Comics (@owenlikescomics) October 22, 2024
Crazy how the cooler MCU projects are the movies that get stuck in development hell while the 15th Ant Man has zero issues
— Sigmatic (@sigmatic_) October 22, 2024
The disappointment among fans is palpable, and they have every reason to feel let down. Blade had a promising storyline—which seems hard to ruin—and an impressive cast that included Ali, Mia Goth, and Delroy Lindo, who unfortunately has also exited the project. Anticipation was high following a brief teaser of Blade at the end of the unsuccessful Eternals, featuring Ali’s voice. All the essential elements were there, yet Marvel failed to piece them together effectively. It feels increasingly likely that an announcement will soon confirm Blade’s demise.
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