The screenwriter behind Wesley Snipes' Blade trilogy has expressed willingness to answer Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige's call to help salvage Mahershala Ali's stalled MCU reboot.
This long-anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe project has faced numerous obstacles over the years, with Blade now appearing completely derailed with slim prospects for revival. Recent developments suggest the project may have undergone significant conceptual changes.
Last month, musician Flying Lotus revealed on social media that he was originally attached to compose music for the film before its collapse. The artist, who recently directed the horror film ASH, stated: "I guess we're so far from it even being a possibility now... I was signed on to write music before it fell through. Maybe it'll come around again but I doubt it."
Costume designer Ruth E. Carter (known for Black Panther) confirmed in a recent interview that she had been developing 1920s-era costumes for Blade before production stalled. This historical setting would have offered unique visual design opportunities.
Delroy Lindo, who was cast in a supporting role opposite Ali, shared his disappointment with Entertainment Weekly: "The creative discussions were incredibly exciting and collaborative... Then, for reasons I don't understand, everything fell apart."
Originally announced at 2019's San Diego Comic-Con with a planned 2023 release, Blade has cycled through multiple directors including Yann Demange and Bassam Tariq without moving forward.
Original Blade trilogy writer David S. Goyer recently questioned the delays: "I'd absolutely return to the character if asked. As a Marvel fan myself, I'm completely puzzled by what's happening with this project."
While removed from Marvel's schedule seven months ago, Feige maintains commitment to the project: "We love the character and Mahershala's vision. The audience will see Blade in the MCU - we're just determining the right approach."
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Meanwhile, Deadpool & Wolverine's massive $1.3 billion success has reignited conversation about Snipes' portrayal. Reynolds has publicly advocated for a Logan-style farewell film featuring the original Blade, crediting the 1998 film with paving the way for modern superhero cinema.
Reynolds recently stated: "The entire superhero film genre owes its existence to Blade. He's essentially Marvel's founding father on screen." The actor is reportedly developing another X-Men project where Deadpool would share the spotlight with three or four other mutants.
