Mahershala Ali Awaits Marvel's Blade Revival Amid Uncertainty

Mahershala Ali has shared updates on Marvel’s delayed Blade film while promoting Jurassic World Rebirth, expressing cautious optimism but little clarity on its progress.

Blade was first announced at San Diego Comic Con in 2019, with an initial release planned for this November. However, the project has faced setbacks, cycling through multiple directors, and six years later, Blade starring Mahershala Ali remains far from reality.

Eight months ago, Blade was removed from Marvel’s release schedule, and no new release date has been confirmed. Still, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige emphasized last November that the studio remains committed to bringing Blade to the MCU.

"We’re dedicated to Blade. We admire the character and Mahershala’s vision for him. Whenever we adjust a project’s direction or timeline, we keep fans informed. You’re fully updated on our plans," Feige said in an interview with Omelete in November 2024. "Rest assured, Blade will join the MCU.”

When asked about the project, Ali offered a brief, ambiguous update to Variety, unlikely to reassure fans. "Contact Marvel," he said. "I’m prepared. Tell them I’m ready."

In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Ali elaborated slightly but remained uncertain about Blade’s future. "I’d love for Blade to move forward; we’ll see what happens. I’m unaware of Marvel’s current plans," he said. "I’m just seeking my next compelling role."

Several individuals tied to the Blade project have commented on its collapse. In April, musician Flying Lotus shared on X / Twitter that he was set to compose music for Blade before it unraveled. "It feels so distant now, almost impossible, but I was signed on for the score before it fell apart," he said. "Maybe it’ll revive, but I’m skeptical. It would’ve been exciting."

A day before Flying Lotus’ post, Sinners costume designer Ruth E. Carter appeared on The John Campea Show and confirmed she was tasked with designing 1920s-era costumes for Blade before production halted.

Actor Delroy Lindo, once attached to star alongside Ali, also reflected on the project’s downfall. "Marvel seemed genuinely open to my ideas," he told Entertainment Weekly. "Discussions with producers, the writer, and the director at the time were collaborative and promising. The concept and character were thrilling, but for reasons unknown, it derailed."

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Meanwhile, the MCU’s Deadpool & Wolverine, featuring Wesley Snipes reprising his role as Blade in a cameo, grossed $1.3 billion worldwide. Ryan Reynolds, star of Deadpool, advocated for a final Blade film for Snipes, similar to Hugh Jackman’s Logan, crediting the 1998 Blade and its sequels for paving the way for superhero films, including the X-Men and the MCU.

"Blade laid the foundation for the Fox Marvel Universe and the MCU," Reynolds wrote on X/Twitter. "He’s the Marvel pioneer. Please share for a Logan-style farewell."