Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has reassured fans that the long-awaited "Blade" movie starring Mahershala Ali is still in the works, despite being removed from the studio's release calendar.
Speaking at the D23 Brazil 2024 event, Feige stated, "We are committed to Blade. We love the character. We love Mahershala's take on him." He emphasized that the character will "indeed make it to the MCU," although the exact timeline remains uncertain.
The "Blade" project, first announced in July 2019, has faced numerous setbacks. Multiple writers and directors have been attached to the film over the years, with the most recent director, Yann Demange, departing in June. These changes have led to speculation about the movie's future.
Feige addressed the delays, explaining that the studio's priority has been "not rushing it and making sure we are making the right 'Blade' movie." This approach aligns with Marvel's commitment to quality over speed.
The film's budget has also been a topic of discussion, with reports suggesting Marvel is aiming for a production cost under $100 million. This could indicate a desire for a more focused, character-driven approach to the vampire hunter's story.
While "Blade" no longer holds its previous November 7, 2025 release date, Marvel has several untitled projects scheduled for 2028. It's possible that one of these slots could be reserved for the Mahershala Ali-led film.
Despite the uncertainties, Feige's statements offer hope to fans eagerly awaiting the return of Blade to the big screen. The character, previously portrayed by Wesley Snipes in a trilogy of films from 1998 to 2004, has a strong fanbase that Marvel seems keen to satisfy.
As the project continues to evolve, Marvel enthusiasts can take comfort in Feige's assurance that Blade will eventually join the MCU, bringing his unique vampire-hunting skills to the expansive superhero universe.