Key Takeaways
- Blade MCU project confirmed to continue despite delays and setbacks.
- Marvel Studios reassures fans of its commitment to Mahershala Ali’s Blade.
- Delays are partly due to Ali’s dissatisfaction with the script, indicating a desire for quality.
The Blade release date delay raised concerns about the project potentially being canceled. At D23 Brazil, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige addressed whether those concerns were founded or not.
Since the Blade MCU reboot was announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, the project has endured multiple setbacks. In the past 5 years, two directors have dropped out, at least six writers have tackled the script, and some actors have exited the project due to the delays. Most recently, the Blade MCU release date was delayed and its November 2025 slot was given to Predator: Badlands. However, unlike past delays, Blade has yet to receive a new release date, leading some fans to wonder if the project will ever see the light of day.
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At D23 Brazil (via Omelete), Feige reassured fans with a positive update on Blade‘s MCU future. The Marvel Studios boss also noted that fans will be made aware of any changes they have planned for Mahershala Ali’s Blade. “We’re committed to Blade. We love the character, we love Mahershala’s take on him. And rest assured, whenever we change direction with a project, or we’re still figuring out how it fits into our schedule, we let the audience know. You’re all up to speed on what’s happening,” Feige said. “But I can tell you that the character will indeed come to the MCU.”
This news will likely be a relief to MCU fans. After so many delays and setbacks, some people felt Marvel Studios should cancel its Blade movie. However, several fans want to see Marvel Studios’ take on the character, especially with the Academy Award-winning Ali playing the lead role. While Wesley Snipes’ Blade movies are well-regarded, seeing the vampire hunter interact with other MCU characters is an appealing idea.
These Blade delays may be for the best. Reportedly, the delays are partly due to Ali’s dissatisfaction with the scripts, which is understandable for an actor of his caliber. The MCU’s Multiverse Saga is widely regarded as a disappointment, with most films receiving lukewarm reviews or underperforming at the box office. While films like Shang-Chi were up against the COVID-19 pandemic and The Marvels bombed at the box office when it was released amid an actors’ strike, it’s difficult to deny that the MCU is at a low point (a reality Marvel Studios admitted with a joke at its own expense in Deadpool and Wolverine).
Much of the criticism towards the MCU’s Multiverse Saga has been directed at the writing, with predictable stories and wasted characters like Gorr the God Butcher being all too common for many fans. Ali’s reaction to the Blade release date delay was allegedly positive, which, if true, indicates he wants the script to be worthy of his talents and time, and not something that can simply be fixed in post, as had seemingly become common practice for Marvel Studios.
Marvel Studios’ Blade is in development.
MCU
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a sprawling movie and television franchise that weaves together individual stories of superheroes including Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Widow, and many more. The first film in the franchise, Iron Man, was released in 2008. The MCU has garnered critical praise and financial success, earning billions at the box office and becoming a cultural phenomenon.
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Source: Omelete