Marvel’sBladereboot waspulled from its release schedule in 2024. Before this, the film’s production cited directors exiting the project, major delays, and massive shifts towards Marvel’s other upcoming releases. While thisMahershala Ali-led superhero movie’s details were shrouded in mystery, a former production staff member revealed where this movie would have taken place in the MCU timeline.
Blade’sformer costume designer,Ruth E. Carter, revealed in an interview that Marvel’s Blade would have occurred in the 1920s and would have told a period piece about a vampire. Unfortunately, production was shut down due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and Writers strike, and she, along with other production staff, was stuck in limbo. Fortunately, her research was not wasted, asRyan Coogler’s2025 feature,Sinners, has a similar setting.
In 2019,Kevin Feigerevealed that Blade was in development and would have the two-time Oscar-winning actor to star in the feature. The Marvel character had films made in the past, with itslast feature released in 2004 and starringWesley Snipes. In 2022, it was later revealed that Blade would be part of Phase 5 of the MCU timeline and had a scheduled release date of June 10, 2025. By 2022, it was reported thatBassam Tariqhad exited his role as directorand had been replaced byYann Demange, who then exited the project in 2024.It wasn’t long until Marvel Studios decided to pull the film from its release schedule.
Could Blade Still Appear In The MCU?
While theBlademovie has yet to announce whether it will continue production, the character has already appeared in the MCU. In 2021, Blade appeared in an off-screen cameo duringEternals' post-credit scene, asking if Dane Whitman is ready to wield the Ebony Blade. Meanwhile, Wesley Snipe’s Blade appeared in 2024’sDeadpool & Wolverine, along with other Marvel superheroes likeChanning Tatum’s Gambit.
While Marvel Studios has alreadyannounced its official cast list forAvengers: Doomsday, many noted that a few characters are missing, likeBruce Banner/Incredible Hulk, Captain Marvel, etc.Marvel is known for its secrets, and this superhero could make his MCU debut in anAvengersfeature rather than a solo film.
At the end of the day, it’s up to Marvel Studios to decide where and when Blade will finally make an appearance. Phase Six of the MCU only has four confirmed films and a handful of Disney+ series. Other projects could be announced by surprise or could be part of Marvel’s next saga; only time will tell.
Mahershala Ali’sBladedoes not have a spot on Marvel’s release schedule. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on the film.
Source:CBR,John Campea
