Ever since the announcement ofMarvel Studios’ reboot ofBladewas made at the San Diego Comic-Con 2019, fans have been waiting for the Mahershala Ali-led film. But, it seems like they will now have to wait longer, as Marvel has pushed the production date from September of this year to July 2022. It seems like the studio wants to take its time working on the script for the highly-anticipated flick.
Earlier this year,Watchmenseries scribe Stacy Osei-Kuffourwas brought on board to write theBladescript, making her the first Black female writer to pen a movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel is now on a hunt to find a director for the movie. According toThe Hollywood Reporter, the studio wants a Black filmmaker to helm the project and is apparently looking through a list of names that is also being scanned byWarner Bros. for their upcomingSupermanreboot, with a script that casts a Black Man of Steel.
RELATED:Fan Art Imagines Mahershala Ali As The MCU’s Blade
While workingon Netflix’sLuke Cage,in which he portrayed the villain Cottonmouth, Oscar-winner Ali seemingly approached Marvel about wanting to take on the role of the heroic vampire. The film was confirmed in 2019 by Marvel president Kevin Feige himself, with Ali making a surprise appearance at Comic-Con to announce his involvement in the project. The role of the Daywalker was first portrayed by Wesley Snipes in the 1998 film.
In the course of six years, theBladeTrilogy had been released, withBlade: Trinitydebuting in 2004. Created by New Line Cinema, the films shaped the way for comic-to-film adaptations, granting superheroes a space on the big screen. The character first appeared in the comics in July 1973, only to become one of the most appreciated heroes once the films released. Even thoughBlade is associated with Snipes, making it one of his most memorable roles, the actor has offered his full support for Ali’s casting in the Marvel reboot.
Currently titledMarvel Studios' Blade, The Vampire Slayer, it is unclear how the reboot will introduce the Daywalker into the MCU. The character wasn’t a typical superhero, with his superpower being his ability to walk in the daylight despite being part vampire, along with super strength.
It would require an extremely strong script to be able to incorporate vampires into the MCU if that is the path that Marvel intends to take.With Marvel now focusing on diversity, bringing in a unique hero into their fold shouldn’t be an impossible task.
Bladewill begin production under Marvel Studios in July 2022.
MORE:Wesley Snipes Is Open To Cameo Role In The MCU’s Blade Movie
