Blade Reboot with Mahershala Ali Still Alive, According to Kevin Feige

Blade Reboot Still Alive as Mahershala Ali Remains Committed

The long-delayed Marvel Studios Blade reboot is still in development, with Mahershala Ali remaining attached to the project. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed at a recent press event that the film is still moving forward, despite its rocky development process.

Development Struggles and Delays

Ali was originally cast as Blade in 2019, but since then, the project has faced numerous setbacks. According to Feige, Marvel suffered from “too much, too fast syndrome,” producing too many drafts without a clear direction. The film has cycled through at least six writers and three directors.

The latest version of the script is currently being written by Eric Pearson, known for his work on Thor: Ragnarok. Initially planned as a period piece set in the 1920s, Blade’s setting has now been shifted to the modern era. Feige explained that the original tone wasn’t working and that Marvel wanted something more unique for Ali’s version of the character.

Blade’s Unique Challenge

Marvel Studios admitted that, despite Ali’s casting and a cameo voice appearance in Eternals, they had not nailed the tone or direction of the reboot. Feige said they didn’t want a simplistic approach of just putting Ali in a leather jacket and hunting vampires. Instead, they are working to deliver a version of Blade that feels fresh and distinct within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Costume Controversy

Concerns about the project’s future intensified after news broke that costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s wardrobe created for Blade had been repurposed for Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. Fans feared Marvel had abandoned the project entirely. However, Feige explained that Coogler’s team needed costumes, and Marvel simply loaned them out as a goodwill gesture.

Current Status and What’s Next

Despite its challenges, the Blade reboot remains in development. The film’s budget is reportedly around $80 million, and it will carry an R rating. Mia Goth is still set to play Lilith, the film’s vampiric antagonist. While no release date has been announced, Feige reassured fans that the project is still active, with Mahershala Ali committed to bringing Blade to life.

Source: Variety