Marvel’s "Blade" Reboot Removed From Release Calendar: What It Means For The Future Of The Daywalker

Fans of Marvel’s "Blade" will have to wait longer for the vampire hunter’s return, as Disney has officially removed the highly anticipated reboot from its release calendar. Originally slated for November 7, 2025, the film, starring Mahershala Ali as the half-vampire Daywalker, has faced numerous production delays. Instead, the release date will now go to "Predator: Badlands," the sixth film in the popular extraterrestrial franchise. Meanwhile, Marvel has added three untitled projects to its 2028 schedule, keeping fans guessing about what’s to come.

Delays Plague the 'Blade' Reboot

The decision to pull "Blade" from its release slot isn’t entirely surprising. During a May 2023 earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that Marvel would be limiting its film releases to "a maximum of three" per year. In light of this, "Blade" was likely the easiest choice to shelve, given that it was the only one of Marvel's planned 2025 projects that had yet to enter production. The other three – "Captain America: Brave New World," "Thunderbolts," and "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" – are further along in their development.

The removal of "Blade" from the calendar marks yet another setback for the project, which has faced a litany of challenges since its inception. Originally announced in 2019 at San Diego Comic-Con, the film was expected to usher in a new era for one of Marvel’s darker, more horror-oriented characters. Mahershala Ali, who pitched himself for the role, brought significant fanfare to the project, especially given the legacy of Wesley Snipes, who portrayed the character in a trilogy of films from 1998 to 2004.

A Series of Setbacks

The delays for "Blade" have been numerous. The film was first slated for release in November 2023, but production issues saw it pushed to September 2024 and then to November 2025. Key personnel changes contributed to the delays. The project lost its first director, Bassam Tariq, in 2022. His replacement, Yann Demange (known for his work on "Lovecraft Country"), exited the project in June 2023. Following Demange's departure, the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike forced Marvel to halt pre-production entirely.

"Blade" has also seen multiple screenwriters take a crack at the script. The latest iteration is being penned by Eric Pearson, a Marvel veteran who has worked on major projects like "Black Widow" and "The Fantastic Four." Before Pearson’s involvement, the screenplay went through several drafts by notable writers including Stacy Osei-Kuffour, Michael Starrbury, and Nic Pizzolatto.

In addition to these production hurdles, the project also faced challenges during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, which further slowed its development. Given these issues, insiders report that Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and his team are unwilling to rush "Blade" into production until they’re confident it will live up to the original film’s legacy and fans’ expectations.

Feige himself has stressed the importance of "getting 'Blade' right," stating that the studio doesn’t want to push forward with a subpar version of the beloved character. According to reports, the team remains committed to delivering a film that does justice to the original trilogy while offering something fresh for today’s audience.

What’s Next for the MCU?

Although the removal of "Blade" is a disappointment for many, Marvel is keeping its slate busy with other projects. The 2025 schedule still includes "Captain America: Brave New World," "Thunderbolts," and "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," all of which are expected to be pivotal in the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Furthermore, the addition of three untitled Marvel films slated for release in 2028 suggests that the studio has big plans on the horizon.

While details about these future projects remain scarce, Marvel fans can still look forward to a variety of films and series in the years leading up to 2028. Meanwhile, the decision to delay "Blade" seems to underscore a shift in Disney and Marvel’s overall strategy. With Bob Iger prioritizing quality over quantity, fans may see fewer films per year, but the trade-off is likely better storytelling and more polished productions.

Will Wesley Snipes Return?

Another interesting layer to the "Blade" saga came in the form of a surprise cameo from Wesley Snipes as the Daywalker in the 2024 blockbuster "Deadpool & Wolverine." The R-rated film, which has already grossed over $1.3 billion globally, saw Snipes deliver the memorable line, "There’s only been one Blade. There will only ever be one Blade." Though it was a tongue-in-cheek moment, the cameo rekindled nostalgia for Snipes’ portrayal and further complicated the expectations around Ali’s upcoming portrayal.

For now, fans can only speculate on when "Blade" will finally make its way back to the big screen. With production yet to begin, it could be years before the half-vampire returns. Still, Marvel’s decision to prioritize the film’s quality suggests that when "Blade" does arrive, it will be well worth the wait.

The Blade TV Show

The Blade TV series, which aired in 2006 on Spike TV, was a continuation of the popular Wesley Snipes film trilogy. Starring rapper and actor Sticky Fingaz as the titular half-vampire hero, the series follows Blade as he continues his mission to eradicate vampires from the world. Set in Detroit, the show introduces new characters, including Krista Starr, a former soldier seeking revenge for her brother’s death at the hands of vampires. The series expands on Blade's war against the vampire nation, exploring deeper aspects of vampire politics and mythology. Despite a strong start, the show was canceled after one season due to low ratings, but it remains a cult favorite among fans of the Blade universe.

Conclusion: Marvel Fans Await the Return of Blade

While the road to Marvel's new "Blade" has been rocky, the project is far from dead. Disney and Marvel Studios are taking their time to ensure that this reboot lives up to the legendary reputation set by Wesley Snipes' trilogy. As fans continue to wait, they can rest assured that Marvel remains committed to delivering the best possible version of this iconic character.

In the meantime, Marvel fans have plenty of upcoming films to look forward to, but the Daywalker’s next appearance will likely be one of the most anticipated releases in the MCU’s future. Keep your eyes peeled for further updates as "Blade" continues to develop.

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Source: Variety

Photo Credit: Marvel