In a cinematic landscape fraught with uncertainty, Mahershala Ali remains steadfast in his commitment to bringing Marvel’s iconic vampire hunter to life in Blade. The two-time Oscar winner, speaking at the New York premiere of his new film Jurassic World Rebirth today, expressed unwavering enthusiasm for the long-delayed project, urging Marvel to “just give me the phone call” to move forward. “I’m ready. Let them know I’m ready," he said. Ali’s comments, reported by Variety, underscore his passion for the role despite years of development hurdles, offering a glimmer of hope for fans awaiting the Daywalker’s return to the big screen.
Announced in 2019 at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel’s Blade reboot sent shockwaves through the industry when Ali, fresh off his Academy Award win for Green Book, was revealed as the new Eric Brooks. The project promised to reintroduce the half-human, half-vampire hero—previously portrayed by Wesley Snipes in the late ’90s and early 2000s trilogy—into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With Ali’s gravitas and a bold vision to blend horror and action, expectations soared. However, the road to production has been anything but smooth.
Blade has faced a series of setbacks, including multiple director changes, script rewrites, and significant scheduling shifts. Initially, Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli) was attached to helm the film, with a release date set for November 3, 2023. Tariq departed in 2022, citing scheduling conflicts, though reports suggested creative differences played a role. Yann Demange (Lovecraft Country) stepped in as director, but by June 2024, he too exited the project. In October 2024, Disney removed Blade from its release calendar entirely, scrapping a planned November 7, 2025, release date after numerous prior delays. Writers have also come and gone, with Stacy Osei-Kuffour, Beau DeMayo, Michael Starrbury, and most recently Eric Pearson (Thunderbolts) taking stabs at the screenplay. These changes reflect Marvel’s struggle to nail the tone and story for Blade, a character whose gritty, R-rated roots contrast with the MCU’s typically family-friendly fare.
Ali, who also serves as a producer on the film, has remained a driving force behind the scenes. His involvement signals a desire to ensure Blade honors its legacy while carving a fresh path. At the Santa Barbara festival, Ali hinted at his proactive stance, stating he’s ready to dive into the role as soon as Marvel greenlights production. His comments suggest confidence in the project’s eventual realization, even as the studio grapples with broader challenges, including a packed slate and recent box-office underperformances.
Marvel’s hesitation may stem from the high stakes surrounding Blade. The original trilogy, particularly 1998’s Blade, is credited with paving the way for modern superhero films, proving comic book adaptations could thrive with mature themes. Snipes’ portrayal became iconic, and Ali’s casting—while celebrated—carries the pressure of living up to that legacy. Additionally, integrating Blade into the MCU’s multiverse-heavy narrative, potentially alongside supernatural elements introduced in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness or Moon Knight, requires careful planning. Reports indicate Marvel is aiming for a darker, horror-infused take, possibly leaning into an R-rating, which would mark a departure from the studio’s norm.
Despite the delays, Ali’s star power and dedication keep Blade alive. The actor, known for roles in Moonlight and True Detective, brings a commanding presence that could redefine the character for a new generation. His willingness to stay the course, even as other MCU projects like Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World take precedence, speaks to his belief in Blade’s potential. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has previously praised Ali’s involvement, calling him a “powerhouse” and emphasizing the studio’s commitment to getting the film right.
As of February 2025, Blade lacks a confirmed release date or director, but Ali’s remarks at the festival signal that the project is far from dead. Marvel’s silence on the matter suggests internal deliberations continue, possibly as the studio recalibrates its Phase Six plans. For now, Ali’s resolve serves as a beacon, assuring that the Daywalker’s blade will gleam again—when the time is right.
