So, What Exactly is Going on With Marvel's 'Blade' Reboot?

Much like a vampire, actually, Marvel has kept fans mostly in the dark about its upcoming Blade reboot. The much-anticipated MCU film will reintroduce viewers to the vampire hunter that Wesley Snipes popularized in a trilogy of films from the 2000s—only if it survives production hell. Blade, we're going to need you to exorcise the demons plaguing this movie.

Originally set to debut in 2023, the Mahershala Ali-starring project lost its director, Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli), just a month before filming was expected to begin. Marvel cited "continued shifts in our production schedule" as reasoning for Tariq's exit, according to The Hollywood Reporter, though he will remain on the project as an executive producer. "It’s been an honor working with the wonderful folks at Marvel," Tariq said in his own statement. "We were able to put together a killer cast and crew. Eager to see where the next director takes the film." He left the Blade reboot around the same time that writer Beau DeMayo (The Witcher, Moon Knight) joined the prodiction to make significant changes to the scripts.

Since its announcement at 2019's San Diego Comic-Con, Blade has been one of the most hyped films in the MCU, next to the return of the Fantastic Four and the X-Men. Instead of replacing Tariq right away, Marvel announced that the film will be put on hold until they can "get it right," a source told THR. Blade is now tentatively scheduled for a Fall 2024 release, in between Thunderbolts and Deadpool 3. Until then, let's get caught up on everything Blade.

What Will Blade Be About?

Blade is a vampire hunter who also happens to be half-human, half-vampire himself. He devotes every waking moment to ridding the world of evil vampires, who often disguise themselves as underworld criminals, white-collar businessmen, and gangsters. In earlier films, Blade took on Deacon Frost, his oldest enemy and the vampire responsible for the death of his mother. Mahershala Ali also technically joined the MCU already, back in one of the end-credits teasers for Eternals. As Dane Whitman (Kit Harrington) discovers an old sword, Ali can be heard off-screen saying, "Sure you’re ready for that, Mr. Whitman?" Maybe Blade will act as a new Nick Fury, assembling Marvel's supernatural and occult heroes.

Who Else Will Join the Cast?

Alongside Mahershala Ali, Blade's cast will also include Delroy Lindo (Da 5 Bloods) and Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad) in undisclosed roles. Kit Harrington may also reappear as Dane Whitman, a.k.a. The Black Knight. There would be room, feasibly, for supernatural heroes such as the recently introduced Jack Russell (Gael García Bernal), Elsa Bloodstone (Laura Donnelly), and Man-Thing from Werewolf By Night to make a potential cameo as well. But don't hold us to it!

When Will Blade Hit Theaters?

As part of Marvel's Phase Five, Blade will not debut until September 6, 2024. Though the film was originally set for a November 2023 release, the loss of its director right before production pushed the film back for quite some time. Hopefully, it'll be well worth the wait. Until then, sit tight, daywalker. Try not to get yourself bitten.

You Might Also Like

• The 40 Best Hoodies to Wear Anywhere and Everywhere

• The Dirty Martini Deserves Legend Status

• This Eli Manning Sketch Is the Best Thing You'll See All Week