Blade Trilogy Writer Queries MCU Reboot Delay: 'Why So Long?'

The writer behind the iconic Wesley Snipes' Blade trilogy, David S. Goyer, has expressed his readiness to assist Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige in navigating the troubled waters surrounding Mahershala Ali's long-awaited MCU reboot of the vampire hunter. Despite being announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019 with a planned release for November of this year, the project has faced numerous setbacks and is currently stalled with no confirmed release date in sight.

Recent revelations have shed light on the project's uncertain future. Rapper and artist Flying Lotus, who was set to contribute music to the film, took to X/Twitter to confirm that the project had fallen through. "I guess we are so far from it even being a possibility now but. Yeah I was signed on to write music for the new BLADE movie before it fell thru," he stated, adding that while he doubted its return, it would have been an exciting endeavor. This followed shortly after costume designer Ruth E. Carter, during her appearance on The John Campea Show, disclosed that she was set to design costumes for a 1920s-set Blade, a concept that promised unique and captivating designs.

Actor Delroy Lindo, who was slated to star alongside Mahershala Ali, also shared his disappointment with Entertainment Weekly, mentioning how Marvel initially seemed keen on his input and the project's inclusive direction. However, the film "just went off the rails," he lamented. The project has seen several directors come and go, including Yann Demange and Bassam Tariq, without any sticking long enough to see it through.

In an interview with ScreenRant, Goyer voiced his confusion over the delays. "I would," he affirmed when asked about writing the reboot, expressing his love for the character and his bewilderment at the prolonged development. "I’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering, ‘What in the world is going on? Why is it taking so long?’ Because I’m a huge Marvel fan myself, and I’ve just been totally puzzled."

Despite the film's removal from Marvel's release schedule seven months ago, Feige remains committed. In a November 2024 interview with Omelete, he reiterated the studio's dedication to bringing Blade to the MCU, emphasizing their love for the character and Mahershala Ali's interpretation. "We are committed to Blade. We love the character, we love Mahershala's take on him. And rest assured: whenever we change direction with a project, or are still figuring out how it fits into our schedule, we let the audience know. You're all up to date on what's happening," Feige stated, assuring fans that Blade would indeed find his way into the MCU.

Meanwhile, the success of Deadpool & Wolverine, which featured Wesley Snipes reprising his role as Blade in a cameo, has reignited calls for a proper send-off for the character. The film grossed $1.3 billion globally, prompting Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds to advocate for a "Logan-like" farewell for Snipes' Blade. Reynolds highlighted Blade's pivotal role in paving the way for superhero films, stating on X/Twitter, "There is no Fox Marvel Universe or MCU without Blade first creating a market. He’s Marvel Daddy. Please retweet for a Logan-like send-off."

Additionally, Reynolds is reportedly in the early stages of developing a Deadpool and X-Men ensemble film, as per THR. This project would see Deadpool sharing the spotlight with three or four other X-Men characters, who would take center stage and be "used in unexpected ways."

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