While Marvel Studios has yet to officially launch the "Blade" reboot starring Mahershala Ali, fans are getting a glimpse of the character in new concept art.
Justin Kim, character designer for the Marvel animated series "What If...?", recently shared his design concepts for the third season on Instagram. Among them was a striking fusion of Blade and Moon Knight, which has ignited fervent discussion among fans.
This artwork presents a fresh take that blends the characters' distinct features: the physique and facial features clearly resemble Mahershala Ali, while the costume draws inspiration from Oscar Isaac's Moon Knight.
Kim explained, "I wanted to use Moon Knight's wraps to create sharp silhouettes, making this version of Blade appear capable of drawing weapons from any part of his body." He added that both characters possess a ninja-like aura, and he aimed to amplify that aesthetic.
This "Blade X Moon Knight" design is slated to appear in the new animated series "Marvel Zombies" this fall, potentially offering fans the only opportunity to see Mahershala Ali in character for the foreseeable future.
As many fans are aware, the "Blade" reboot has faced a tumultuous production journey. Its original release date was pulled last year, with directors Bassam Tariq and Yann Demange both exiting the project. The script has undergone multiple rewrites, and the 2023 Hollywood strikes further stalled production, leaving the film without a confirmed release date.
Despite these setbacks, Marvel President Kevin Feige affirmed last year, "We're still committed to 'Blade.' We love the character, and we love Mahershala Ali's interpretation. Even if plans shift, we will keep audiences updated on the latest developments."