In a recent interview with GQ magazine, Michael B. Jordan expressed optimism about the future of Marvel, despite the franchise’s recent struggles. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) saw success with the record-breaking “Deadpool & Wolverine” last year, it faced setbacks with earlier releases like “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “The Marvels,” which disappointed at the box office. This interview coincided with poor reviews for Marvel’s latest film, “Captain America: Brave New World,” which holds a mere 53% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 133 reviews. “They’re doing great,” said Jordan, who famously portrayed Erik Killmonger in “Black Panther.” “They’ll get it back.”
One of the projects that Jordan is particularly interested in is the long-awaited “Blade” movie. Initially announced in 2019, Mahershala Ali was cast as the iconic vampire hunter. However, the film has encountered numerous delays, shifting through various writers and directors, which has left fans eager for updates. Marvel pulled the “Blade” movie from its release calendar last fall, creating uncertainty about its future. “Launching any franchise is tough,” Jordan noted. “I hope it gets together. I want to see a ‘Blade’ movie, you know what I’m saying? The ‘Blade’ franchise was everything.”
The journey of the Blade project has been tumultuous. Bassam Tariq was the first director attached, but he exited in September 2022, just before filming was set to commence. Marvel has seen several screenwriters come and go, including “Watchmen” writer Stacy Osei-Kuffour and Michael Starrbury. The latest departure was director Yann Demange, who stepped away from the project in June 2024. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige emphasized the importance of taking the time to craft the film correctly. “For the last two years as we’ve been trying to crack that movie, the most important thing for us is not rushing it and making sure we are making the right ‘Blade’ movie,” Feige said during his press tour.
Feige added reassurance to comic book fans, stating that despite the delays, Blade will make his way into the MCU. “We are committed to Blade,” Feige told Omelet during the D23 Brazil 2024 event. “We love the character. We love Mahershala’s take on him. And rest assured: whenever we change direction with a project or are still figuring out how it fits into our schedule, we let the audience know. You’re all up to date on what’s happening. But I can tell you that the character will indeed make it to the MCU.”
With the excitement surrounding Michael B. Jordan and his hopes for Marvel’s comeback alongside the anticipated “Blade” movie, fans are left wondering what the future holds. As Marvel navigates its upcoming projects, the anticipation for new tales from its beloved universe remains alive and fervent.
