Blade Trilogy Writer Asks: Why Is MCU Reboot Taking So Long?

The writer behind the Wesley Snipes Blade trilogy, David S. Goyer, has expressed his readiness to assist Marvel chief Kevin Feige in revitalizing Mahershala Ali's stalled MCU reboot of Blade. Despite its announcement at San Diego Comic Con in 2019, the project has faced numerous setbacks and has been indefinitely delayed, with no new release date set after its removal from Marvel's schedule seven months ago.

Recent insights from various artists and actors involved with the project shed light on its troubled status. Rapper and artist Flying Lotus, who was set to compose the film's music, confirmed on X/Twitter that the project has been shelved, expressing doubts about its revival. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter, during an appearance on The John Campea Show, revealed she was to work on the film's 1920s setting before its collapse. Actor Delroy Lindo, who was initially attached to star alongside Ali, shared with Entertainment Weekly that despite early enthusiasm and inclusive discussions, the project derailed unexpectedly.

The film has seen multiple directors come and go, including Yann Demange and Bassam Tariq, with no one staying long enough to bring the project to fruition. Goyer, in a conversation with ScreenRant, voiced his confusion and eagerness to contribute, stating, "I would... I’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering, ‘What in the world is going on? Why is it taking so long?’"

Despite the setbacks, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige remains optimistic, affirming in an interview with Omelete in November 2024 that the studio is committed to bringing Blade to the MCU, emphasizing their love for the character and Mahershala Ali's interpretation.

In related news, the MCU film Deadpool & Wolverine, featuring a cameo by Wesley Snipes as Blade, was a massive success, grossing $1.3 billion globally. Ryan Reynolds, who stars as Deadpool, advocated on X/Twitter for a send-off film for Snipes' Blade similar to Hugh Jackman's Logan, crediting the original Blade films for paving the way for the superhero genre's expansion, including the Fox Marvel Universe and the MCU.

Reynolds is also reportedly in the early stages of developing a Deadpool and X-Men movie, where Deadpool would not be the central character but would share the spotlight with other X-Men, allowing them to be utilized in innovative ways.

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