Mahershala Ali’s Blade movie, first announced by Marvel Studios during San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, remains in limbo after a series of unexpected delays and several script rewrites, leaving fans and industry insiders questioning what comes next for this highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe project. Despite the passage of almost six years since its announcement and the casting of multiple supporting actors, there have been no significant updates that suggest Mahershala Ali will soon be stepping into his live-action role as Blade.
Original Blade screenwriter David S. Goyer, who developed the first trilogy that played a foundational role in the modern superhero genre, has expressed confusion about the ongoing setbacks. In a recent conversation at the Murderbot world premiere, Goyer addressed the stalled status of Marvel’s Blade, stating, “I’ve just been totally puzzled.” Goyer continued,
“What in the world is going on? Why is it taking so long? Because I’m a huge Marvel fan myself, and I’ve just been totally puzzled.”
Pressed about what Marvel needs to do, Goyer answered, “Give me a call,” confirming he would be willing to return to the franchise he helped establish.
Mahershala Ali, an Academy Award winner, was selected to play the lead in what was envisioned as a major reboot for the vampire hunter. Fans had anticipated Ali’s portrayal would reinvigorate the legacy established by Wesley Snipes and expand Blade’s presence in the MCU. Yet, six years since the announcement, production has faltered. Marvel’s Blade has reportedly cycled through multiple writers and directors; one version was set in the 1920s, while others introduced supporting roles that may have since been written out, as indicated by some actors’ departures.
Despite Blade’s reputation as a cornerstone for Marvel’s transition into mainstream cinema, the film’s development process highlights an unusual level of uncertainty for a studio known for its blockbuster assembly line. Comparatively, other complex Marvel projects, such as Eternals, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Captain America: Brave New World, managed to advance through development with far fewer obstacles than Mahershala Ali’s Blade.
This drawn-out process has been a source of frustration for both fans and industry veterans. Goyer, whose trilogy in the late 1990s and early 2000s helped establish the framework for superhero storytelling, emphasized his continued interest in the property. His experience and passion could offer Marvel a path forward, should studio executives choose to revisit the series’ original creative vision.
Although Blade has made several cameo appearances within the MCU, the much-awaited live-action debut of Mahershala Ali as the vampire hunter has yet to happen. Marvel’s hesitation to greenlight the final script and begin active production raises important questions about the direction and priorities of the studio, especially as it pivots its approach to franchise building in a post-Avengers era.
With extensive delays and ever-changing creative teams, the possibility remains that the Blade movie could see major changes one last time, or potentially face cancellation if momentum does not pick up soon. According to industry speculation, Marvel Studios plans to finalize a completed script and determine whether to move ahead with Mahershala Ali’s Blade within the next year.
The outcome of these deliberations matters not just for Mahershala Ali’s career and the legacy of the franchise but also signals broader trends in Hollywood where even established superhero icons are at risk in a rapidly shifting cinematic landscape. Whether Marvel leverages veteran voices like David S. Goyer or opts for a different creative approach, the fate of Blade stands as a critical test for its future strategy and for the hope of audiences eager to see Mahershala Ali redefine the legendary role.
