Director Yann Demange, known for his work on films like 71 and White Boy Rick, is poised to explore a new dimension of the acclaimed actor Mahershala Ali. The director is keen on showcasing Mahershala Ali’s seldom-seen ruthless side in the upcoming Blade movie, providing a fresh perspective on the iconic vampire hunter.
Blade, a character created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan, is a singular hybrid in the Marvel universe. Born with both human and vampire blood, he navigates a world where he can walk in daylight but is forever caught between two worlds.
Also Read: The Continental Director Will “Implode” if He Directs a Marvel/DC Movie
Director Yann Demange Plans to Unleash a New Side of Mahershala Ali in Blade Reboot
Yann Demange feels ready to focus on directing Mahershala Ali in a ferocious new interpretation of Blade. Demange recognizes the complexity of Blade’s character, emphasizing the internal struggle between his humanity and vampiric instincts.
Demange told Deadline:
“They gave me the R, which is so important.”
“I come out of this wanting to be more open, more vulnerable and bring a more personal aspect to my work,” he said.
“But for Blade, we are going to have fun because Mahershala is such a deep actor. 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.”
While Ali is primarily known for his dramatic roles in films like Moonlight and Green Book, he does have some action experience under his belt, including Predators and two Mockingjay films.
Also Read: MCU’s Blade Finds its Director in Lovecraft Country’s Yann Demange
Mahershala Ali Has Some Optimistic Updates on Blade Movie
Mahershala Ali recently told Entertainment Weekly that he is feeling optimistic about his upcoming Marvel movie Blade, in which he will star as the comic book vampire hunter.
“We’re working on it,” Ali said, remaining tight-lipped about specific details.
“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,” Ali added. “So that’s the extent of what I can tell you.”
Ali’s optimism is a welcome change for fans who have endured a rollercoaster of news about the film. Announced at Comic-Con 2019, Blade faced several setbacks. The departure of director Bassam Tariq and delays due to script revisions and the Hollywood strikes pushed back the release date from its original November 2023 target to November 2025. In the meantime, Yann Demange was brought in to helm the film.
With production expected to begin next year, Blade is slowly but surely moving forward. As part of Marvel’s Phase 6, the film is currently set to be released on November 7, 2025.
