Featured

Mahershala Ali’s ‘Blade Movie’ Sees Fresh Direction After Director Exits

Marvel Studios is reportedly in discussions with filmmaker Jeymes Samuel to direct the upcoming Blade movie (per World of Reel). He is recognized for his successful projects, such as The Harder They Fall  (2021) and The Book of Clarence (2023). Samuel’s potential involvement brings hopes of a fresh vision for the film, which has been in development limbo for several years.

A person wearing dark sunglasses and a black leather outfit is posing with a sword held vertically in front of them. The background is misty and gray, adding to the dramatic effect of the scene.
Credit: New Line Cinema

Samuel’s distinct style and innovative approach may breathe new life into Blade, characterized by Mahershala Ali’s portrayal of the vampire hunter. Reports suggest that Marvel is pleased with recent script developments, specifically under the latest screenwriter, Eric Pearson.

His script is poised to align more closely with the character’s iconic nature, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise.

As the search for stability continues, Marvel seems to be gaining confidence in the script, a crucial element after multiple revisions over the past years. The studio’s belief in Pearson’s work signals a step forward, potentially allowing them to forge a clearer path for the beloved character’s cinematic return.

Related: Marvel Just Revealed the New Replacement for Kang

Turbulent Journey of the Blade Project

The Blade project has faced a tumultuous journey, experiencing continuous changes in its directorial team. Initially led by Bassam Tariq and later by Yann Demange, both directors exited the project, prompting concerns about creative direction. This frequent turnover highlights the ongoing challenges Marvel faces in solidifying a cohesive vision for the much-anticipated film.

Moreover, the writing team has experienced significant upheaval, with several writers brought on and subsequently replaced. This has created uncertainty regarding the film’s tone and narrative cohesion, raising questions about how well the story will capture the essence of the character originally made famous by Wesley Snipes.

A character in dark attire and sunglasses is seen from behind, holding a sword over their shoulder. The background is red, and the word "MARVEL" appears above the title "BLADE" in large white letters at the bottom of the image.
Credit: Bathesda

As Blade struggles to find its footing, unease looms over whether the film will finally materialize. The constant changes in both direction and writing have led to speculation about the project’s viability within the changing landscape of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Release Timeline and Anticipation

Initially scheduled for release much earlier, Blade is now set for November 2025. This announcement follows a series of delays that have spanned nearly half a decade, leaving fans eagerly waiting for a cinematic return of the iconic character.

However, many fans are left questioning whether this timeline is realistic. With the mixed signals regarding the film’s production, there exists a palpable sense of skepticism around the Blade revival.

It has been five years since Kevin Feige announced the project at San Diego Comic-Con, yet little progress has been made. With only a vocal cameo by Mahershala Ali in Eternals (2021), the anticipation is tempered by concern over the film’s ongoing instability.

A black background with the red text "Marvel Studios" at the top. Below, the word "Blade" is written in stylized red letters with distinctive sharp edges.
Credit: Marvel Studios

Related: Deadpool & Wolverine Will Return to Marvel in 2025

Wesley Snipes, who previously played Blade, has shared his thoughts regarding Ali’s casting. While he has expressed support for the new direction, the contrasting sentiments of long-time fans add another layer of complexity to the film’s narrative.

The fanbase’s reactions range from excitement about Ali’s portrayal to skepticism rooted in Snipes’ legacy. As a result, discussions continue across forums and social media about how Blade will shape the character’s future.

Despite the turbulence, some cast members, including Mia Goth, have expressed optimism about the project. Goth has conveyed a sense of confidence that the creative team is genuinely passionate about delivering a remarkable experience for audiences.

In conclusion, as Blade forges ahead in its quest for stability amidst changing leadership and script revisions, the hope remains that this beloved character will make a triumphant return to the screen, reigniting the legacy of the Daywalker in the Marvel universe.

Nathan Kamal

Nathan Kamal is a Chicago-based writer and comic, who enjoys cooking, hanging out with his cat, and seeing as many movies as possible.

Related Articles