The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is no stranger to big-budget spectacles and long-awaited projects, but few have faced as many delays and roadblocks as the upcoming reboot of Blade. Announced five years ago at San Diego Comic-Con, the movie has endured an almost comical series of setbacks, leaving fans to wonder if it'll ever see the light of day. With director exits, rewrites, and casting shakeups, it seems like Marvel's beloved vampire hunter can't catch a break.
Originally set for a production start in November 2023, Blade lost yet another director when Yann Demange ('71') walked away from the project, making him the second filmmaker to exit, following Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli). Rumors have been swirling that Marvel is now in talks with a new director, though their identity remains a mystery. This begs the question: who would want to step into such a turbulent production?
What's been perhaps the most troubling for fans is the ongoing script drama. After six different writers, including Eric Pearson (Black Widow) and Nic Pizzolatto (True Detective), the screenplay still seems to be in flux. Initially set in the 1920s, the film's setting has been modernized, but many wonder if this will help or hurt the project. And with Mahershala Ali attached to the lead role, the Oscar-winning actor reportedly growing frustrated, there's no doubt the pressure is on to deliver.
Marvel hopes to stick to their proposed November 2023 start date, but with key roles like Aaron Pierre and Delroy Lindo still vacant, and no new director officially attached, Blade may continue to linger in development limbo. Could this turbulent pre-production be just a bump in the road, or will Blade become one of Marvel's rare misfires? Only time will tell.
One thing's for sure: the making-of documentary for this film would be just as exciting as the movie itself.
