Mahershala Ali FINALLY breaks silence on Blade issues, and there is cause for optimism

Blade has endured one of the most tumultuous pre-productions of any movie in recent memory but there is cause for optimism.

The character of Blade will enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Mahershala Ali set to play the vampire Hunter. We have already seen a cameo of sorts from Blade, as Ali's voice could be heard in a post-credits scene at the conclusion of The Eternals.

2024's biggest movies - Everything you need to know about Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Sunday 14 April 2024, 10:30

It's Always Sunny in Philidelphia Streaming UK: How to watch

Friday 12 April 2024, 14:41

This comes after Snipes played the Daywalker to acclaim in Blade, Blade II and Blade: Trinity.

In September of last year, previous director Bassam Tariq left the new project with just one month to go until filming, which was subsequently postponed anyway due to the actor and writer strikes in 2023.

Yann Demange was then hired, though filming is yet to begin. Ali was unhappy at the script development and reports emerged that he was willing to walk away from the movie altogether.

But, things are moving again, according to the man himself.

"We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you," the Oscar winner told EW.

"I’m really encouraged with the direction of the project. I think we’ll be back at it relatively soon. I’m sincerely encouraged in terms of where things are at and who’s on board and who’s leading the way as far as the writing of the script and the directing and all that. So that’s the extent of what I can tell you."

Blade will be R-rated

There were concerns among some fans that the character of Blade might be diluted by Marvel potentially giving the new movie a softer rating to appeal to a broader audience.

But, Demange has confirmed it will be for mature audiences.

“They gave me the R, which is so important,” he told Deadline.

"For Blade, we are going to have fun because Mahershala is such a deep actor. I’m excited to show a kind of ruthlessness, a roughness he has, that allows him to walk the earth in a particular way. I love him for that. He’s got a dignity and integrity, but there is a ferocity there that he usually keeps under the surface. I want to unleash that and put it on the screen.”