Mahershala Ali Says Blade Ready, Awaits Marvel's Call

Mahershala Ali has shared several updates about Marvel's long-delayed Blade movie while promoting his new film Jurassic World Rebirth - none of which inspire much confidence.

Blade was first announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019 and would have premiered this November if production had stayed on track. Instead, the problematic project has changed directors multiple times, and six years after its announcement, Mahershala Ali's Blade still shows no signs of materializing.

It's been eight months since Marvel removed Blade from its release schedule, with no new premiere date announced. However, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige later reassured fans the project hasn't been abandoned.

"We remain committed to Blade. We adore the character and Mahershala's interpretation," Feige told Omelete in November 2024. "While adjustments happen during development, we keep fans informed. Rest assured, Blade will join the MCU in due time."

Ali himself offered vague comments when pressed by Variety: "Call Marvel," the Oscar winner said tersely. "I'm prepared. Let them know I'm waiting."

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Ali expanded slightly while remaining noncommittal: "I'd love Blade to happen eventually. But Marvel's plans remain unclear right now. Meanwhile, I'm focused on finding compelling roles."

Several creatives previously attached to Blade have confirmed the project's indefinite shelving. Musician Flying Lotus revealed on Twitter in April that his composing deal collapsed when production stalled: "That ship has sailed sadly," he tweeted. "Would've been incredible though."

Costume designer Ruth E. Carter told The John Campea Show she'd created 1920s-era wardrobe concepts before Marvel suspended development. Days earlier, actor Delroy Lindo told Entertainment Weekly about losing his supporting role when creative differences derailed production.

"Marvel initially welcomed my creative input enthusiastically," Lindo recalled. "The collaborative energy surrounding Blade felt genuinely promising before everything abruptly fell apart."

The 25 Best MCU Heroes

View 26 Images

Meanwhile, MCU hit Deadpool & Wolverine grossed $1.3 billion worldwide while featuring Wesley Snipes' surprise Blade cameo. Star Ryan Reynolds publicly advocated giving Snipes' original vampire hunter a Logan-style farewell film, crediting 1998's Blade with paving the way for modern superhero cinema.

"The entire superhero genre owes Blade," Reynolds tweeted. "Marvel's patriarch deserves his swan song."