It's become clear in recent months that Marvel Studios is struggling to get Blade right, and the project took a major step backwards earlier this Fall with the loss of director Bassam Tariq. Since then, we've heard multiple reports that the script is undergoing rewrites, with rumblings Moon Knight and X-Men '97 scribe Beau DeMayo might somehow be involved.
Recently, we learned that Michael Starrbury (When They See Us) is stepping in to replace Stacy Osei-Kuffour as Blade's screenwriter, while Yann Demange is the movie's new director.
Now, Tariq (who remains an executive producer on the Marvel Comics adaptation) has taken to social media to praise his replacement.
"The news is finally out: my dear brother Yann Mounir Demange is directing Blade! Y'all are in for a real treat. Yann was instrumental in giving me the courage to start developing Mogul Mowgli," the filmmaker says. "He played a pivotal role during post as well, helping Riz [Ahmed], my editor (Adam Biskupski) and myself get the film across the finish line."
"During that time and during the pandemic, Yann became a cherished friend and brother. I couldn't be happier for him. As he steps into this role, I am proud to support him as he has supported me."
Tariq walked away from the Blade director's chair back in September, and we heard at the time that star Mahershala Ali was left underwhelmed by the movie's "lacklustre," and surprisingly short, script. Now, it's said Marvel Studios is looking to take the movie down a darker and grittier route, more similar to the original Blade movies starring Wesley Snipes.
That's exactly what fans were hoping to hear, and there are those who are convinced the reboot will be R-Rated. It's a possibility, though we'd guess it just pushes the boundaries of PG-13.
Blade is set to be released in theaters on September 6, 2024.