Marvel Studios' Blade reboot hasn't exactly had the smoothest of journeys to the screen, but if recent reports are to be believed, things have finally turned a corner.
Some early drafts of the script reportedly saw Ali's new take on the Daywalker "relegated to third or fourth lead" in his own movie, and while this has been disputed by a writer who worked on a draft prior to the strikes, it's clear that this production has been anything but plain sailing.
During an interview late last year, star Mahershala Ali shared a positive update on the project, and the actor sounds confident that shooting will be ready to commence fairly soon.
“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.”
With things (hopefully) back on track, Daniel Richtman has shared some new plot details.
Apparently, Blade is "still a period piece" and "still very much rated R." The story is said to focus on Lilith (Mia Goth) attempting to get hold of some blood from Blade's daughter so she can create her own army of Daywalkers. The villain will reportedly wield the Ebony Blade.
Speaking of this mystical weapon, Dane Whitman/The Black Knight (Kit Harington) is not expected to appear in the movie despite his involvement being teased in Eternals' mid-credits scene.
Yann Demange is still on board to direct, and has previously hinted 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."
Production was further impacted by the Hollywood strikes, and Marvel Studios pushed the movie back to November 7, 2025. Following numerous drafts and screenwriters, Logan and Alien: Covenant scribe Michael Green signed on to pen the script.
Blade will also star Aaron Pierre and Delroy Lindo.