MCU Film in Progress Features Mahershala Ali as Blade Character
In the world of Marvel, excitement is building for the upcoming film adaptation of the iconic vampire hunter, Blade. The film, set to star Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali, has experienced some changes in its production process.
Lead Actor and Director
Mahershala Ali, known for his captivating performances in films like Green Book and Moonlight, will make his onscreen debut as the titular character, Blade. However, the current director of the film is yet to be confirmed, following the departure of Yann Demange due to creative differences with Ali [3].
Release Date
The film, initially scheduled for a late 2023 release, was later pushed back to November 2025, but has since been removed from Marvel's release schedule. As of now, there is no official or confirmed release date announced for the film [1][2][3][4].
Production and Phase
The production of the film is set to begin in Atlanta next year, and it is expected to fall into the Marvel Phase 5 category (if not affected by future developments) [4].
Plot and Tone
The new Blade film is reportedly darker and eerier than previous Marvel offerings, promising a unique and thrilling experience for viewers [4].
Background
Created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan for Marvel Comics, Blade first appeared as a supporting character in The Tomb of Dracula #10 (1973) [5]. Over the years, various actors have portrayed or voiced Blade, including Wesley Snipes, Sticky Fingas, J.D. Hall, and Terry Crews [6].
Screenplay and Future Developments
The new screenplay for the film was written by Michael Starrbury, who was nominated for an Emmy for his contribution to Ava DuVernay's When They See Us [7]. The production of the film was halted after original filmmaker Bassam Tariq dropped out in September [8].
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed that Blade is still in development, with Mahershala Ali remaining attached to the project [1][3][4]. As the project continues to develop, fans eagerly await more updates on the film's release date and further details about the storyline.
[1] Marvel Studios Confirms Blade Film with Mahershala Ali, IGN (2021) [2] Blade Film Release Date Pushed Back to November 2025, Deadline (2022) [3] Yann Demange Leaves Blade Film Due to Creative Differences with Mahershala Ali, Variety (2022) [4] Everything We Know About the Blade Film, CBR (2022) [5] Blade (Marvel Comics), Marvel Database (n.d.) [6] List of Actors Who Have Portrayed Blade, Fandom (n.d.) [7] Michael Starrbury, IMDb (n.d.) [8] Bassam Tariq Drops Out as Director of Blade Film, The Direct (2022)
Mahershala Ali's net worth, due in part to his successful career in movies-and-tv and film, may increase further with the upcoming Blade movie. The anticipated film's darker and eerie tone, scripted by Emmy-nominated screenwriter Michael Starrbury, promises an exciting venture in the entertainment sector.
