It’s been several months since the Marvel Studios reboot ofBladewas pulled from its release schedule. The project was first announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, revealing that the Academy Award-winning actorMahershala Aliwould play the human-vampire hybrid Eric Brooks, AKA Blade. But despite the multiple issues this Marvel project has, Ali is still keen to work with Marvel.
During a red carpet interview for theJurassic World Rebirthpremiere withVariety, Ali asked when fans would see this Blade reboot. In response, he said, “Call Marvel,” and tell them that “He’s ready.” The actor didn’t give much further information, which makes sense as the project has had many issues behind the scenes. Now, the ball is inKevin Feigeand Marvel Studio’s court if they want to make some real progress on this feature.
“Call Marvel. I’m ready. Let them know I’m ready.”
In 2022, Kevin Feige announced thatBladewas initially meant to come out during Phase 5, on June 09, 2025, betweenThe Marvels,Ironheart,andAgatha All Along. It was alsoscheduled to begin filming in Atlanta in October 2022. Unfortunately, due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes,pre-production for the Marvel project was delayed. Days before filming began,Bassam Tariqstepped down as directordue to scheduling conflicts and was replaced byYann Demange, whoalso stepped down from the projectin June 2024. The release date forBladewas pushed to July 13, 2025, but it was eventually pulled altogether. Additionally,Blade’s delay causedMarvel Studios to push its entire movie roster.
What Do We Know About the MCU’s ‘Blade’ Reboot?
Since Demange stepped down from the project last year, Marvel Studios has yet to reveal a replacement director.Michael GreenandEric Pearsonare still attached to the project as writers, andMia Goth,John West Jr., andMilan Raywill join Ali on screen. In 2022, it was announced thatAaron Pierrewas cast in an undisclosed role butleft the project in 2024(possible due to his new commitments on DC’sLanterns) The same can be said forDelroy Lindo,whooriginally joined the project in 2021, but he also left,stating that it went “off the rails.”
Blade made an off-screen cameo during the post-credit scene in the 2021 superhero filmEternals. Since then, he has yet to appear in some way or form in any other Marvel projects. Blade did make a “return” to the MCU in 2024, but it wasWesley Snipes' version of the character, teaming up with Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) inDeadpool & Wolverine.
Marvel Studios has yet to announce ifBladewill return to its release schedule. Follow Collider to keep up to date on the latest updates.
Source:Variety
