The news is in, and it's not entirely unexpected—Marvel Studios' reboot of Blade, initially set for a November 7, 2025 release, has been removed from the schedule. Instead, Disney will now slot in 20th Century Studios' Predator: Badlands on that date. The Blade reboot, which has been eagerly awaited since its announcement at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, has faced numerous setbacks, including a global pandemic, industry strikes, and a revolving door of directors.
The project has certainly struggled to find its footing. Originally, Bassam Tariq was set to direct, with production eyed for late 2022. However, after Tariq's exit, the film saw Yann Demange briefly take over before further delays ensued. Despite these challenges, fans have reason to remain optimistic. Mia Goth, who is cast as the villain Lilith, recently shared that Marvel is committed to delivering a high-quality film, stating, “They really care, they do… and that feels good.” This level of dedication suggests that, while Blade may be delayed, the intention is to produce a movie that does justice to the legacy left by Wesley Snipes in the original 1998 film.
As for Predator: Badlands, details remain under wraps, but its announcement signals Disney's push to revitalize classic franchises under its 20th Century Studios banner. The decision to move forward with Predator while Blade undergoes more development could indicate a strategic reshuffling, allowing the vampire hunter's movie to return stronger than ever.
Marvel also announced new dates for three untitled projects set for 2028, suggesting that the studio is already planning its future slate, while making room for the present to catch up. With the repeated directorial changes, and industry-wide factors playing a role, Blade‘s future remains unpredictable but still promising.
The delay of Blade is disappointing but not surprising, given the turbulence the project has faced. However, it's encouraging to hear that Marvel is prioritizing quality over rushing the release. This decision could allow the studio to better align with fans' expectations and deliver a worthy addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Mia Goth's involvement and the studio's dedication, there is still hope for a thrilling reinvention of the beloved vampire-slaying hero.
Do you think Blade will live up to the legacy of the original, or has the constant reshuffling hurt its chances of success? Let us know your thoughts!
