Netflix’s The Defenders Saga, which started with the story of blind vigilante Matt Murdock in Daredevil (2015), has always sparked debates about whether they are a part of the MCU’s canon timeline.
However, now Disney has confirmed The Defenders Saga’s status as MCU-canon by embedding all of Netflix’s Marvel shows in the MCU canon timeline on Disney+. As much as the expansion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is exciting, it now creates a problem for the highly-anticipated Marvel Studios’ movie, Blade, which is set to feature Mahershala Ali in a starring role.
How Disney’s Decision on Defenders Creates Problem for Mahershala Ali’s Blade
One of the most popular series of The Defenders Saga is Luke Cage starring Mike Colter. The show which premiered on Netflix in 2016 chronicles the titular character’s fight against corruption after he develops super strength and unbreakable skin due to a failed experiment.
As he attempts to rebuild his life in Harlem, Luke is confronted by Cottonmouth, a notorious criminal figure and the leader of the Stokes Crime Family, based in Harlem’s Paradise. The character, played by Mahershala Ali, approaches the protagonist after his entire organization is put at risk due to Luke’s actions.
Now, the issue with Luke Cage finding a settled place in Marvel Cinematic Universe’s timeline is that Ali is also set to appear in Blade as the titular lead. As things stand, how Marvel writers will develop a backstory to explain Cottonmouth becoming Blade is beyond anyone’s understanding.
Before one suggests the idea of Kevin Feige roping someone else to lead the Blade project, it must be noted that the two-time Oscar winner has already entered into the MCU as Eric Brooks in Eternals. He featured in the post-credit scene of the 2021 movie about Marvel Comics’ race of immortal beings.
Mahershala Ali Gives the Latest Update on MCU’s Blade
Having said that, this isn’t the first issue the Blade reboot has faced. Ever since its announcement in 2019, the project focused on the vampire-hunting vigilante has been plagued with problems.
Blade has already faced several delays as well as the departure of Bassam Tariq, who was initially roped in to direct the film. However, in December of 2023, Ali shared a promising update in an interview with EW. He said:
“We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you. I’m really encouraged with the direction of the project. I think we’ll be back at it relatively soon. I’m sincerely encouraged in terms of where things are at and who’s on board and who’s leading the way as far as the writing of the script and the directing and all that.”
White Boy Rick director Yann Demange is now overseeing the project, which is scheduled to be released in the second half of 2025.
