Marvel's Blade reboot has had quite the bumpy journey. From a star-studded announcement at San Diego Comic-Con five years ago, to numerous delays, script revisions, and director exits, fans have wondered whether the vampire-slaying anti-hero would ever hit the big screen again. However, recent developments suggest that things may finally be falling into place.
Rumors are now circulating that Jeymes Samuel, the director behind The Harder They Fall and this year's The Book of Clarence, might be stepping in to helm the long-awaited film. Marvel's Kevin Feige has kept Blade on the priority list, despite several hiccups along the way, and it appears Samuel has made quite the impression during his recent meeting with the Marvel brass.
But Samuel isn't the only name fans have been buzzing about. Recently, Mahershala Ali, who is set to star as the titular character, sparked rumors after following Jordan Peele on Instagram, leading many to speculate if Peele might take on directorial duties. However, insiders have dispelled this rumor, stating that Peele was never in talks for the role. Ali himself, while committed to the project, has reportedly been frustrated with the delays, as Blade has been plagued by various setbacks.
The film's script has also gone through its fair share of rewrites, with Eric Pearson, known for Black Widow, now taking the reins. Pearson is the sixth writer to tackle the script, following contributions from writers such as Stacy Osei-Kuffour and Nic Pizzolatto. There's hope that Pearson's draft has finally addressed the concerns of both Marvel and Ali, putting the project back on track.
Originally intended to be set in the 1920s, the movie will now unfold in the present day, offering a fresh take on the half-vampire, half-human hero's storyline. Mia Goth, known for her haunting performances in Pearl and X, is still attached to play Lilith, a vampire seeking the blood of Blade's daughter, although several co-stars, including Aaron Pierre and Delroy Lindo, have exited the project.
If Marvel sticks to the current schedule, Blade is slated to begin production on November 1st, 2024, aiming for a theatrical release on November 7, 2025. After five years of waiting, it looks like fans might finally see the return of the Daywalker to the big screen.
With Samuel's potential involvement, Blade could take on a fresh, bold aesthetic that blends action, horror, and the unique visual flair Samuel brought to The Harder They Fall. If anyone can bring this iconic vampire hunter to life, it might just be him.
