After Wesley Snipes’s controversial run as Blade, the mantle was handed over to Mahershala Ali. Marvel Studios announced a reboot of the franchise, with the actor taking over the character from the OG Blade. Unfortunately, the project has been stuck in development since time immemorial and Michael B. Jordan’s next project might just prove to be a generous sprinkle of salt on Mahershala Ali’s wounds.
Michael B. Jordan gears up to star in the film revolving around vampires that has reportedly gotten itself a release date already. On the other hand, the ultimate human-vampire hybrid is still lurking somewhere in the shadows over at Marvel Studios, “patiently” waiting for his turn.
Michael B. Jordan Beats Mahershala Ali to a Release Date?
Directed by Ryan Coogler, the untitled vampire film is eyeing March 07, 2025, as its release date, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. After a long and strenuous bidding war, the film’s rights have been given to Warner Bros., which is not really a shocker now, is it?
Staying true to the genre, the film is supposed to start production soon in New Orleans. Described as an event film, it will reportedly be set in the ‘30s South with Michael B. Jordan having a dual role.
Apart from the Black Panther actor, the film also consists of Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo, and Hailee Steinfeld. Needless to say, fans are quite excited about the film, especially given the involvement of such incredible talent.
Unfortunately, this might be a punch to the gut to Mahershala Ali whose vampire superhero flick seems to have been stuck in time. The Blade reboot was announced in 2019 and there has not been any significant movement since then.
It was scheduled for a release in 2025 but Jeff Sneider reported that there is a strong chance that the reboot will be postponed to 2026.
Mahershala Ali Almost Walked Away from Blade
Thanks to the constant issues in Blade’s script causing delays after delays, Ali almost walked away from Marvel Studios, reportedly. The film had to face a number of obstacles as it went through about 5 writers, 2 directors, and a shutdown.
There were also changes in the script and at one point the film was going to have a female lead with Ali downgraded to the fourth lead. We wonder how that would have worked out.
According to Variety, Ali almost stood up and said, ‘I Quit!’ over the issues with the film’s script. That’s when Kevin Feige apparently decided to hire Michael Green as the scriptwriter. The reboot is reported to be made on a budget of less than $100 million
Finally, it seems like Blade is in a good position. Ali told Entertainment Weekly,
We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you. I’m really encouraged with the direction of the project. I think we’ll be back at it relatively soon. I’m sincerely encouraged in terms of where things are at and who’s on board and who’s leading the way as far as the writing of the script and the directing and all that. So that’s the extent of what I can tell you.
Optimism and excitement are quite high for Blade and the constant delays are only infuriating the fans further who just can’t wait to see Ali in the role. “Soon” couldn’t come soon enough.
The Blade trilogy is available to rent/buy on Prime Video.
