MCU intends on reprising their first successful superhero franchise, no it’s not Iron Man. While 2008’s Iron Man is widely regarded as the film that put Marvel on the map, it was essentially another film adaptation that gave them the credence to consider other adaptations. With prior failures in the genre, this 1998 movie emerged as a blockbuster hit. Besides, it was also among the first R-rated superhero movies like Hugh Jackman’s Logan, which displayed brutal violence and pain.
The Blade franchise spanned over three installments, with its second, Blade II being the most successful. However, the box-office success and great reception of 1998’s Blade encouraged the two sequels. Unfortunately, the last film of the trilogy, Blade: Trinity was panned which left the Blade franchise cold. Nevertheless, MCU is ready to respawn the half-vampire under the ingenuity of French-Algerian director Yann Demange. Having received clearance for an R-rating, Demange has some rough plans for the character.
Blade turns savage
Expected to release in 2025, the new Blade will star two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali. Franchise veteran Wesley Snipes had led the original trilogy, deriving criticism as well as praise for his portrayal. However, a new face to the superhero calls for new possibilities. Director Yann Demange has ideated how his version of Blade will make an appearance after a decade since its last installment.
In an interview with Deadline, the 46-year-old unveiled that his recent short film Dammi exposed his experience as an Algerian in France. In the search for his tribe and roots, accompanied by guilt and shame for not belonging, Dammi was a glimpse into Demange’s life. Therefore, the wide acclaim for Dammi encouraged Demange to incorporate a similar essence into Blade. Moreover, the movie has already got the green signal for an R-rating, which shall allow for the director’s creativity to flow freely. Yann Demange said,
“They gave me the R, which is so important.”
Scheduled to be an addition to the MCU’s small list of upcoming R-rated movies, Blade will follow a plotline of greater aggression and brutality. Other recent R-rated Marvel films include Echo, Marvel Zombies, and Deadpool 3.
Blade will be personal for Yann Demange
After his success with Dammi, the director embraced his reality of feeling like an outcast all his life. Moreover, the great reception from viewers encouraged him to slip in bits of his experience into the characters of his upcoming projects. Thus, 2025’s Blade will spotlight a new angle of Mahershala Ali for the fans to see. Demange told Deadline,
“I’m excited to show a kind of ruthlessness, a roughness he has, that allows him to walk the earth in a particular way. I love him for that. He’s got a dignity and integrity, but there is a ferocity there that he usually keeps under the surface. I want to unleash that and put it on the screen.”
Blade is a solitary hybrid character, half-human, half-vampire, who is unable to belong to either of the communities. He is involved in a quest to protect the mortal world from the vampires and finds himself lost and alone. Demange is trying to level up the violence and savagery of the film with cast members including Mia Goth, Kit Harington, and Aaron Pierre among others.
