The Marvel Studios adaptation of Blade has lost another director, in what appears to be a recurring joke. According to The Wrap, the director’s chair for the Blade reboot has experienced a surprise twist; Yann Demange, who stepped in as the savior after the first director Bassam Tariq’s exit, has amicably parted ways with the project.
The film has faced challenges ever since it was first announced five years ago at San Diego Comic-Con. In addition to the two directors, Blade has worked with a number of writers. According to the report, Eric Pearson (Fantastic Four) is currently penning the new script for the MCU’s forthcoming flick.
Blade: Yann Demange Steps Down as Director of Mahershala Ali’s Movie
Blade fans have been eagerly anticipating the Daywalker’s return to the big screen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, it seems like the project just can’t catch a break, as director Yann Demange has reportedly exited the film (per The Wrap).
Demange’s exit “was entirely amicable”, according to the report. As of the publication of this story, Disney and Marvel Studios have not yet responded to the Blade report. This news comes after a string of production woes for the highly anticipated movie. As stated by Deadline, the reboot was first announced in 2019.
There have been two directors for the film since then; Bassam Tariq left in 2022 (via THR). In the weeks that followed, more issues surfaced, beginning with a report claiming that the actor Mahershala Ali was “frustrated” with the film’s development (see X).
However, with the loss of its second director, Eric Pearson, the writer is continuing to work on the script for the MCU’s Blade. Michael Green, Nic Pizzolatto, and Michael Starrbury handled the earlier drafts. Also, Ali is still attached to the movie.
Thankfully, the actor, 50, remains committed to his role, having given what was perceived as a positive update in December of last year (via Entertainment Weekly):
We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you. I’m really encouraged by the direction of the project. I think we’ll be back at it relatively soon.
Despite how annoying these delays have been, a source with knowledge of the matter told The Wrap that Marvel’s current priority is getting Blade right, not meeting a release date.
Fan Response: Mahershala Ali’s Blade Faces Another Setback
The return of Blade to the big screen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been much hyped by fans of the franchise. The project’s excitement level rose upon learning that Mahershala Ali would be taking on the iconic role that Wesley Snipes had previously played.
However, director Yann Demange, 46, has reportedly left the film, so it appears like the project is stuck in a rut. This information follows a run of production issues with the film. Thus, fans are apparently angry & disappointed with the latest updates on the movie’s status.
Check out a few comments by fans:
One of the best actors in Hollywood came to you and said he wants to be BLADE and you can’t even get the film off the ground. Good lord.
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) June 12, 2024
It’s a guy fighting vampires! Why is this so hard 😖?!
— Joseph Dutra 🦆 (@dutra_joseph) June 13, 2024
You gotta wonder how long before he says count me out
— 🇺🇸Andres🇨🇴 (@NaughtySnuggles) June 13, 2024
He’s a great pic, but let’s say you’re trying to get a trilogy. He’s a vampire. Ali is already 50 years old 15 years younger than when Wesley Snipes took it.
— Gustavo (@HomerGriffin616) June 13, 2024
Holy shit. Just scrap it.
It’s over.
— Adam Greenbaum (@Greenbaumly) June 12, 2024
According to Vulture, Blade was scheduled to go into production in November 2022 and be released on November 3, 2023. With a new team joining, Disney, however, had to give the upcoming movie a little extra time. It is therefore anticipated that November 7, 2025, will be the new release date for the film.
While Demange’s departure may disappoint fans, we are pleased that, despite these challenges, Marvel Studios seems determined to get Blade right. The studio is reportedly more focused on delivering a quality film than rushing it out the door. So, let’s hope that the Daywalker rises from the ashes stronger than ever.
The first Blade movie is available to rent on Apple TV.
