The reveal of 2x-Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali as Blade by Marvel Studios seemed like another slam dunk for Kevin Feige and co. back in 2019.
Fast forward to 2024 and the numerous script and directorial issues that have beset the production could be viewed as a microcosm of the larger issues currently plaguing the MCU as a whole.
The latest news to emerge from the troubled reboot of the franchise that helped usher in the era of superhero movies (alongside Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man and Hugh Jackman's X-Men) is that Aaron Pierre (Krypton, Foe) will no longer co-star alongside Ali.
In an interview with Variety, Pierre stated, "Early on, there were conversations. As the project evolved, I’m no longer part of that...attached. But there are a number of things that I’m tremendously excited about. Rebel Ridge with Jeremy Saulnier and The Lion King prequel with Barry Jenkins. All things that are coming out this year that myself and the team are deeply excited about and can’t wait to share with the world — and have people engage with it and experience it in whatever way they feel fit."
Pierre first joined the cast in 2022 in a mysterious role that was described as a "highly coveted part" among Hollywood's up-and-coming actors.
However, it wasn't long after Pierre's casting, that details emerged that Ali wasn't happy with the script and that Blade was regulated to the third or fourth lead in his own movie.
Since those reports, director Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli) and screenwriter Stacy Osei-Kuffour (Watchmen, PEN15) have been replaced by Yann Demange (White Boy Rick) and Michael Green (Blade Runner 2049, American Gods), respectively.
Variety notes that there have been several more writers to try their hand at penning a script in between Osei-Kuffour and Green- a sign that Marvel has struggled to find a script that pleases Ali and also aligns with the larger goals of the MCU.
The latest news is that Ali is still attached and is now satisfied with the revamped plot.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Ali confirmed as much, stating, "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."
Aside from Ali and Pierre, the only other actors attached to the project are Delroy Lindo, and Mia Goth. However, in light of the film's new script and Pierre's departure, it's anyone's guess as to whether Lindo and Goth are still on board.
Blade was originally envisioned as a Phase 5 film but due to the aforementioned script issues and this past summer's WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike, the film was pushed to November 7, 2025, making it a Phase 6 release.