Mahershala Ali has been attached to the Blade reboot for what seems like almost an eternity now. The actor’s casting was received very well. Most importantly, he is not a new face to Marvel fans, since he played Cottonmouth in Luke Cage.
The actor is very well-respected in the industry, owing to his charming personality and acting chops. However, his turn as the Daywalker in the Marvel reboot is still up in the air, with the production yet to take off. If rumors are to be believed, the film looks set to make yet another change, thereby raising questions about Ali’s possible MCU debut.
Mahershala Ali’s Blade has undergone a massive overhaul in the past
Marvel has a full slate with upcoming TV shows and films to expand the universe. One of the films that has generated a lot of buzz is the Blade reboot. Back in 2019, during the San Diego Comic-Con, the studio announced that Mahershala Ali would take on the role of the vampire hunter.
Mahershala Ali also reportedly pitched the idea of the reboot to Kevin Feige. The actor would be stepping into the boots of Wesley Snipes, who brought the character to life in the 1999 film of the same name. The news that the two-time Oscar winner was attached to the project was met with cheers.
Despite the SDCC announcement five years ago, the film’s production is still in a bit of limbo. Moreover, the film has also changed hands a few times already. Bassam Tariq was initially set to direct the film, with Stacy Osei-Kuffour writing the script. Unfortunately, Tariq called it quits just two months before the scheduled start of shooting.
The studio had initially aimed for a November 2023 release, but this development saw the release date being pushed back to September 2024. Yann Demange took over the reins of the film, but the SAG-AFTRA and the writers’ strikes threw a wrench in the studio’s plans. Michael Green, best known for his work on Logan and Alien: Covenant, was brought in to write the script for Ali’s films.
Even though the film has taken a different route from the time of its announcement in 2019, Ali is still attached to it. Moreover, he told Entertainment Weekly that he was optimistic, despite the many hurdles it has had to overcome.
“We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you. I’m really encouraged with the direction of the project. We’ll be back at it relatively soon,” said the actor.
Variety had previously reported that the script was changed not less than five times. Ali had allegedly threatened to walk away, and it forced Feige to bring in Green. After languishing in the dirt for so long, World of Reel reported that principal photography is slated to begin this year. However, it seems that the project has undergone yet another change.
Mahershala Ali’s film has reportedly undergone another major change
Not much has been revealed about the plot surrounding the Daywalker so far. The cast includes Ali as the titular character, with Mia Goth also attached to the project since 2023, and rumored to play the villain. Even veteran actor Delroy Lindo will be seen in the film.
Ali’s film was initially supposed to be a period film, set in the 1920s. However, an insider scoop from Daniel Richtman suggests that Blade will now be set in the present timeline. This might delay production yet again, and with it, Ali’s MCU debut has possibly been put on pause. The actor is already 50, and any further delay will spell bad news for everyone.
With this news, fans have taken to social media to share their disappointment. Many have openly wondered if the film will ever see the light of day.
Is this movie ever coming out. Like how is a vampire movie this hard to make when the mcu has already done insane things compared to this.
— Eddie (@OHMYDIAZ) April 17, 2024
Dont think this movie is ever comin out TBH
— Tim Mathis (@timmathiscomedy) April 18, 2024
Development hell. How can such an awesome character be so hard to write for and release? Mia Goth would be amazing as a villain, so they better not eff this up…
— 🍕CHEEZYSPAM🍕 (@CHEEZYSPAM) April 18, 2024
This is a mistake. Set the first film in the 70s, the serving in the 90s, and the third in the present. Use his classic costumes for the period pieces.
— Denethor's Tomato (@DenethorsTomato) April 18, 2024
Poor blade has been in development hell for the longest
— 𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖓 (@goingtillitgone) April 17, 2024
Deadline had reported that the film would be R-rated. Currently, the film is aiming for a November 7th release in 2025, but if the scoop is true, it might be postponed once again.
