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Mahershala Ali’s ‘Blade’ Movie Faces Director Turnover Again

Blade movie title logo in red with the Marvel Studios logo above it, set against a black background.
Credit: Marvel Studios

The highly anticipated Blade movie continues to struggle with director turnover, raising concerns about its stability. World of Reel reports that Marvel Studios is in talks with Jeymes Samuel to take over the direction of the project. Samuel, known for his work on The Harder They Fall (2021), could potentially bring a fresh perspective to the character.

A person wearing dark leather clothing and sunglasses holds a sword vertically in both hands. The background is a smoky, misty scene, adding a dramatic effect to the image. The figure is posed in a strong, confident stance, emphasizing a powerful presence.

Credit: New Line Cinema

This news follows the exits of two previous directors: Bassam Tariq and Yann Demange. The revolving door of directors showcases an alarming trend, as Blade has faced continuous challenges since its announcement.

Related: All of Marvel’s Female-Led Projects, Ranked From Worst To Best

In addition to directorial instability, the Blade project is in turmoil with its writing team. Multiple writers have been attached to the film since its inception. The latest script is credited to Eric Pearson, but the frequent rewrites have only contributed to uncertainty surrounding the film’s tone and direction. The ongoing challenges in the writing department cast doubt on whether the film will capture the essence of the beloved character, originally portrayed by Wesley Snipes in the late 1990s.

Blade is currently scheduled for a November 2025 release, but the project’s rocky history raises questions about whether this date is realistic. This reboot, announced at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, has been highly anticipated.

A darkly silhouetted figure with short hair and wearing sunglasses holds a sword over their shoulder. The background is a deep red. The word "Marvel" appears above the large white text "Blade" at the bottom center of the image.

Credit: Bethesda

However, with continuous delays and changes, fans are left wondering if a finished product will ever see the light of day. Industry insiders speculate that the complexity surrounding Blade could lead to further moves on its release timeline.

Related: Samuel L. Jackson Reveals Fear of Dying During Nick Fury Marvel Contract

Wesley Snipes, who famously portrayed the Daywalker, has recently stirred controversy with comments regarding Mahershala Ali’s casting. Some fans express mixed feelings about Ali stepping into the role, with emotions running high within the community. Responses range from support for Snipes’ reemergence to calls for patience and an open mind towards Ali’s interpretation.

A person in dark sunglasses and a black leather outfit smiles while holding a sharp, curved weapon in a gloved hand. They stand against a tiled wall, illuminated by a light source from the left. Their attire suggests a bold, action-oriented character.

Credit: New Line Cinema

The current situation highlights growing concerns about Marvel’s management of its properties, indicating that the studio must find a balance to keep fans engaged. Whether the film’s eventual release will meet expectations remains to be seen, as fans eagerly speculate about the future of this iconic character.

About Nathan Kamal

Nathan Kamal is a Chicago-based writer and comic, who enjoys cooking, hanging out with his cat, and seeing as many movies as possible.

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