Blade has been plagued by production woes ever since it was first announced over four years ago, going through a number of directors and writers.
The project finally seemed to be back on track after a recent Production Weekly update claimed that shooting was set to commence this Fall, but we'd later learn that a new writer was being sought to give the script yet another major overhaul.
Marvel mainstay Eric Pearson (The Fantastic Four) is said to be working on the script, but the studio now has another spot to fill!
Earlier this month, a rumor claimed that production had completely restarted because "key players involved with the reboot are dissatisfied with the script." We're not sure if this was on the level, but The Wrap is now reporting that yet another director has parted ways with the project.
Though his departure was said to be "entirely amicable, Yann Demange will no longer helm the movie, and is said to have stepped away "a while ago."
"Getting Blade right is much more important than getting the film out. The pressure to produce as much content as possible has been lifted and the studio is now looking to release just two films per year, which gives the team at Marvel Studios some breathing room."
Despite these new setbacks, the movie is still said to be moving forward, with Mahershala Ali attached to star.
Ali's last update during an interview with EW was a positive one.
“We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you. I’m really encouraged with the direction of the project. I think we’ll be back at it relatively soon.”
“I’m sincerely encouraged in terms of where things are at and who’s on board and who’s leading the way as far as the writing of the script and the directing and all that,” he added. “So that’s the extent of what I can tell you.”
Demange (who stepped in to replace Bassam Tariq) previously confirmed that the movie will indeed be rated R.
"I'm excited to show a kind of ruthlessness, a roughness he has, that allows him to walk the earth in a particular way. I love him for that," said the filmmaker. "He’s got a dignity and integrity, but there is a ferocity there that he usually keeps under the surface. I want to unleash that and put it on the screen."
Blade is currently set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025.