(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
The new "Blade" film, originally slated to star Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali, has faced a tumultuous development since Ali's casting was first announced in 2019. Nearly seven years later, the project has seen numerous writers and directors come and go, with the script undergoing countless revisions, yet production has never smoothly commenced. Last year, reports surfaced indicating that Marvel Studios had already halted development on the project, and now, the latest news suggests that a revival of the film's development may no longer be possible.
Renowned entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider recently stated on "The Hot Mic" podcast that, according to his latest industry intel, the MCU's "Blade" is definitively "dead." This prognosis is reportedly more severe than previous claims of "halted development," as Sneider explained that "halted development" in the industry typically means a project is "paused for now" with the potential for future revival, not entirely scrapped. Sneider further emphasized that Marvel no longer considers a solo "Blade" film to be a viable option.
However, Sneider also noted that this doesn't mean Blade won't appear in the MCU at all. The team-up film "Midnight Suns," which is expected to feature the character, has not been shelved. Marvel still intends for Blade to make his live-action MCU debut in "Midnight Suns."