Updates on the Blade Reboot
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige recently shared promising news about the long-awaited Blade reboot, which fans have eagerly anticipated since Mahershala Ali was announced as the titular character in July 2019. However, it’s now been six years since that announcement, and aside from a brief voice cameo in Eternals, Ali’s Blade has not yet debuted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This film has faced significant challenges, including multiple writers and at least two directors, leading to rumors that Ali might step away from the role.
Development Challenges
During discussions about the MCU’s future, Feige confirmed that there were once four different versions of Blade being developed. Some concepts even included period pieces set in the 1930s, similar to the film Sinners. Ultimately, the decision has been made to focus on a modern-day setting for the reboot. Feige emphasized that while Blade might seem straightforward to create, the studio wants to avoid predictable storytelling and rather explore new angles.
Focus on Quality and Story
One of the highlights of Feige’s comments is the emphasis on ensuring that Blade has a completed script before moving into production. Many fans have criticized the MCU for rushing films without finished scripts, especially since the early days when Iron Man went into production without one and became a major success. Since then, the MCU has tended to adopt a more improvisational approach to filmmaking, often rewriting and adjusting scripts even during production. This is noticeably different from James Gunn’s new DC Universe, where he insists that no film will begin production without a completed script, leading to some projects being postponed.
Fan Frustration and Ali’s Vision
While some fans might appreciate the care being taken with Blade, many are also frustrated by the delays. One underlying factor for this careful approach is that Mahershala Ali seems to have more creative influence over Blade compared to other MCU films. He was the one who initially approached Feige to make Blade happen, meaning he has a significant stake in how the character and story are portrayed. Reports suggest that Ali was unhappy with earlier drafts of the script, as he envisions Blade as a significant feature, akin to the impact of Black Panther.
Rise of Comparisons and Expectations
Another crucial aspect influencing the direction of Blade is the recent success of Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, who is known for Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The anticipation surrounding Sinners has raised expectations for Blade, even though the two films may differ greatly in tone, visuals, and narrative style. There’s a chance that Sinners even borrowed some of the costume designs intended for an earlier version of Blade, highlighting the interconnectedness of these projects.
Future of Blade in the MCU
It’s essential to note that Blade, along with other iconic characters like the X-Men and the Fantastic Four, could play a vital role in shaping the MCU’s future, especially in the post-Secret Wars landscape. Despite its production challenges, there is hope that Marvel is finally aligning itself to create a version of Blade that lives up to both Ali’s expectations and fan desires.
In summary, as anticipation builds, it’s clear that both Marvel Studios and Mahershala Ali are committed to producing a Blade movie that resonates with audiences and honors the character. Here’s to hoping that these new developments lead us to a thrilling and compelling interpretation of the iconic vampire hunter soon.
