Mahershala Ali as Blade has left fans excited once again thanks to striking fan art, highlighting what the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been missing as delays continue to plague the much-anticipated film. Since Ali was first announced as the next Blade in 2019, hopes have remained high for his MCU debut, but production setbacks and uncertainty have pushed the movie’s release farther into the future.
In the years following Marvel Studios’ initial announcement, the Blade project has seen significant turbulence, losing multiple writers, directors, and even cast members such as Aaron Pierre. Pierre has since moved on to portray John Stewart in HBO’s upcoming Green Lantern series instead of appearing in Marvel’s next film lineup. Amid these complications, Marvel Studios has officially removed Blade from its schedule, fueling anxieties about the project’s fate. Despite these setbacks, new fan art featuring Mahershala Ali as Blade has reignited enthusiasm among Marvel fans, offering a glimpse of what a new era for the Daywalker could look like.
Fan Art Offers a Glimpse of Mahershala Ali as Blade
On Instagram, artist @70.6ix unveiled artwork envisioning Mahershala Ali fully transformed into the Marvel hero. The image depicts Ali as the iconic Daywalker, sporting red sunglasses and his recognizable black leather jacket, embodying the character’s gothic style. Armed with a sword, the half-human, half-vampire is shown sipping blood from a bag, drawing attention to the darker themes often present in Blade’s storylines.
Although Ali’s official MCU appearances so far have been limited, including a brief voice cameo as Blade in Eternals, his depiction in fan art has built anticipation for his potential on-screen performance. Meanwhile, Todd Williams lent his voice to a Moon Knight version of Blade in the animated Marvel Zombies series, but fans are still waiting for Ali’s full live-action debut.
Marvel’s Struggle to Bring Blade Back to the Big Screen
Marvel Studios’ effort to make Mahershala Ali as Blade a reality has been complicated. In June of last year, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige addressed the status of the Blade movie. According to Feige, the studio had considered four distinct versions of the story, with two set in the present day and the others as period pieces, including one from the 1930s. Feige clarified that the current approach places Blade in a modern setting.
Describing the ongoing production challenges, Feige explained that the delays and constant changes stemmed from Marvel’s commitment to refining the perfect script for Ali’s introduction. He revealed that the studio did not
want to put a leather outfit on him and have him start killing vampires.
Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios President
Before Feige commented, David S. Goyer, previously the writer for Wesley Snipes’ Blade trilogy, stated that he had offered to write the reboot starring Ali. Ultimately, Marvel rejected this, reportedly telling Goyer,
We’ve cracked it now, and we’re in a good place.
David S. Goyer, Screenwriter
Despite assurances from the studio, concrete updates or a new release date for Blade remain elusive. The film’s uncertain future has led to speculation that Marvel might be waiting until the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga, anticipated in 2027, to revisit Blade’s addition to the timeline, as the hero is not currently entwined with the multiverse narrative.
Alternative Plans for Mahershala Ali as Blade in the MCU
If Marvel Studios ultimately cancels a standalone Blade film, Mahershala Ali’s portrayal could still feature elsewhere within the franchise. Upcoming Avengers installments could introduce Ali as Blade before any potential recasting occurs, particularly with a possible franchise reboot after 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars. Such an approach would allow fans to see Ali’s performance even if Blade’s solo film never materializes.
Another avenue lies in integrating Blade into the Midnight Sons, a supernatural Marvel team in the comics. As the MCU prepares to expand with teams like the New Avengers, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four, Blade’s presence could be amplified as a leader among Marvel’s horror-focused heroes. This strategy could allow Ali to play a major role even in the absence of a dedicated film, granting the Daywalker a prominent place within the broader universe.
The delays and creative hurdles facing Mahershala Ali as Blade are emblematic of the challenges inherent in evolving franchise storytelling and balancing anticipation with artistic vision. As fans await news of the film’s future, Marvel Studios faces a pivotal decision on how to use Ali’s acclaimed talent and bring one of its most iconic anti-heroes back to the screen.
