Blade Trilogy Writer on MCU Reboot Delay: 'Why So Long?'

David S. Goyer, the acclaimed writer behind the Wesley Snipes-led Blade trilogy, has expressed his readiness to collaborate with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige to help rejuvenate the stalled Mahershala Ali-led Blade reboot within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Despite its initial announcement at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019 and a planned release this November, the project has encountered numerous obstacles, leaving fans in limbo.

Recent statements from those involved in the project paint a grim picture. Rapper and artist Flying Lotus, who was set to compose the film's music, revealed on X/Twitter that the project has effectively been abandoned. "I guess we are so far from it even being a possibility now but. Yeah I was signed on to write music for the new BLADE movie before it fell thru," he stated, reflecting on his involvement before the project's collapse. He also mentioned his recent directorial work on Shudder's sci-fi horror film ASH.

Just days before Flying Lotus's comments, renowned costume designer Ruth E. Carter confirmed on The John Campea Show that she was tasked with designing costumes for Blade, set in the intriguing 1920s era. This setting would have offered a rich canvas for innovative costume and production design. Additionally, actor Delroy Lindo, who was initially cast alongside Mahershala Ali, shared his disappointment with Entertainment Weekly, highlighting how the project's initial inclusivity and excitement had devolved into confusion and disappointment.

The film has seen a carousel of directors, including Yann Demange and Bassam Tariq, but none have managed to steer the project to completion. Goyer, puzzled by the delays, expressed his willingness to contribute to the reboot. "I would," he told ScreenRant, "I’ve always loved the character and I love him. I’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering, ‘What in the world is going on? Why is it taking so long?’ Because I’m a huge Marvel fan myself, and I’ve just been totally puzzled."

Despite being removed from Marvel's release schedule seven months ago, Kevin Feige has reaffirmed Marvel Studios' commitment to the project. "We are committed to Blade. We love the character, we love Mahershala's take on him. And rest assured: whenever we change direction with a project, or are still figuring out how it fits into our schedule, we let the audience know. You're all up to date on what's happening," Feige stated during an interview with Omelete in November 2024. "But I can tell you that the character will indeed make it to the MCU."

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Blade, the MCU film Deadpool & Wolverine, featuring a cameo by Wesley Snipes reprising his role as Blade, was a massive success, grossing $1.3 billion globally. Actor Ryan Reynolds, who portrayed Deadpool, advocated for Snipes to receive a farewell film similar to Hugh Jackman's Logan. "There is no Fox Marvel Universe or MCU without Blade first creating a market," Reynolds noted on X/Twitter. "He’s Marvel Daddy. Please retweet for a Logan-like send-off."

In other developments, Reynolds is reportedly in the early stages of developing a Deadpool and X-Men movie, as per THR. This ensemble project would spotlight Deadpool alongside three or four other X-Men characters, with Reynolds aiming to utilize these characters in unexpected ways.

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