The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Blade reboot, starring Mahershala Ali, continues to face developmental roadblocks, leading David S. Goyer, the screenwriter of the original Blade trilogy, to offer his expertise to Marvel Studios. Goyer, who also directed Blade: Trinity, told Variety that he reached out to assist with the troubled project, only to be informed that Marvel believes it has resolved its challenges.
Announced by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, the Blade reboot has encountered significant obstacles, including multiple script revisions and directorial changes. Goyer, intrigued by the delays, contacted Marvel to offer his services. “I wasn’t even really thinking about it, but then I had my agent call Marvel and say, ‘Do you guys need any help?’” Goyer recounted to Variety. Marvel’s response was optimistic but firm: “And they said, ‘We love you, but we think we’ve cracked it now, and we’re in a good place.’ And then the latest thing happened. And so no, they haven’t contacted me.”
The reboot’s challenges include a rotating roster of writers, with contributions from Stacy Osei-Kuffour (Watchmen), Beau DeMayo (X-Men ’97), Michael Starburry (When They See Us), Nic Pizzolatto (True Detective), Michael Green (Logan), and Eric Pearson (Thunderbolts). Directors Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli) and Yann Demange (White Boy Rick) were attached but have since left the project. In October, Disney removed Blade from its release schedule, replacing it with Predator: Badlands for November 7, 2025, leaving the film without a director or confirmed release date.
Goyer remains open to revisiting the character that launched his career in superhero storytelling. “I might consider it because I love the character, and Blade sort of started my superhero career,” he told Variety. “Even though I’m now considered a DC guy, I started as a Marvel guy. I would consider it, it would be fun to return to that world.” However, he noted he is largely moving on from superhero projects, stating, “I’m pretty much otherwise 99% done with superheroes. I love this stuff. I watch all the movies, but I’ve just done so much in the world.”
Goyer’s history with Blade is significant. He wrote the original Blade trilogy (1998–2004), starring Wesley Snipes as the vampire-hunting Daywalker, and directed the third film, Blade: Trinity. The trilogy, produced by New Line Cinema, grossed $417 million globally and helped pave the way for modern Marvel films, predating the MCU’s launch with Iron Man in 2008. Goyer also developed Blade: The Series for Spike TV and co-wrote the 2011 Marvel film Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
His broader work in superhero and comic book adaptations spans both Marvel and DC properties. Goyer co-wrote Batman Begins (2005) with Christopher Nolan, earning story credits on The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). He contributed to the DC Extended Universe with Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). Additional projects include the 1998 TV movie Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., NBC’s short-lived Constantine series, SYFY’s Krypton, and Netflix’s The Sandman, which released its second and final season on July 3, 2025.
Marvel Studios remains focused on delivering a high-quality Blade film, with Feige emphasizing the need to avoid rushing the project to ensure it meets expectations. Ali, a two-time Oscar winner who recently starred in Jurassic World Rebirth (released July 2, 2025), remains attached as the titular vampire slayer. As Blade awaits further progress, Goyer continues to promote his sci-fi series Foundation, currently airing its third season on Apple TV+.
