Blade Trilogy Writer on MCU Reboot Delay: 'Why So Long?'

The writer of the Wesley Snipes Blade trilogy, David S. Goyer, has expressed his willingness to assist Marvel chief Kevin Feige in resolving the ongoing issues with Mahershala Ali’s MCU reboot of Blade. Despite being announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019 with an initial release planned for November 2023, the project has faced numerous setbacks and is currently stalled with no confirmed release date.

Recent comments from individuals involved in the project highlight its uncertain future. Rapper and artist Flying Lotus, who was set to compose music for the film, shared on X/Twitter that the project has likely been abandoned. "I guess we are so far from it even being a possibility now but. Yeah I was signed on to write music for the new BLADE movie before it fell thru," he stated, adding that while he doubts it will happen, it would have been an exciting opportunity.

Costume designer Ruth E. Carter, who was slated to work on Blade, confirmed on The John Campea Show that the film was intended to be set in the 1920s, promising unique costume and production design. Actor Delroy Lindo, who was attached to star alongside Ali, also expressed disappointment in the project's collapse. He told Entertainment Weekly that the initial discussions were promising and inclusive, but the project ultimately "went off the rails."

The film has seen multiple directors, including Yann Demange and Bassam Tariq, come and go without progress. Goyer, who wrote and directed parts of the original trilogy, expressed his confusion and eagerness to help revive the project. "I would," he told ScreenRant when asked about writing the reboot. "I’ve always loved the character and I love him. I’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering, ‘What in the world is going on? Why is it taking so long?’ Because I’m a huge Marvel fan myself, and I’ve just been totally puzzled."

Despite Blade's removal from Marvel's release schedule seven months ago, Feige remains committed to the project. In an interview with Omelete in November 2024, he emphasized Marvel Studios' dedication to bringing Blade to the MCU. "We are committed to Blade. We love the character, we love Mahershala's take on him. And rest assured: whenever we change direction with a project, or are still figuring out how it fits into our schedule, we let the audience know. You're all up to date on what's happening," he said. "But I can tell you that the character will indeed make it to the MCU."

Meanwhile, the MCU film Deadpool & Wolverine, which featured Wesley Snipes reprising his role as Blade in a cameo, was a massive success, grossing $1.3 billion globally. Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds praised the original Blade films for paving the way for the superhero genre, suggesting that Snipes deserves a send-off film similar to Hugh Jackman's Logan. "There is no Fox Marvel Universe or MCU without Blade first creating a market," Reynolds posted on X/Twitter. "He’s Marvel Daddy. Please retweet for a Logan-like send-off."

Reynolds is also reportedly in the early stages of developing a Deadpool and X-Men ensemble film, where Deadpool would share the spotlight with other characters. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Reynolds aims for these characters to be "used in unexpected ways," allowing them to take center stage.

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