We independently assess all our recommendations. Purchases through our links may earn us a commission.
The journey to bring Blade back to the big screen within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has hit another bump in the road. Recently, Yann Demange, the second director to take on the project, exited, leaving the reboot once again in limbo. Amid this turmoil, Wesley Snipes, the original actor who brought the iconic vampire hunter to life, couldn’t resist sharing his thoughts.
Snipes’ Take on the Blade Reboot
Wesley Snipes, who famously portrayed Blade in a trilogy of films from 1998 to 2004, has been watching the MCU’s attempts to revive the character with keen interest. When it was announced in 2019 that Mahershala Ali would step into the role, fans were excited but also aware of the big shoes he had to fill. The road since then has been anything but smooth for Marvel Studios, as they’ve faced numerous creative challenges trying to get the reboot off the ground.
After news broke about Demange’s departure, Snipes took to social media to subtly critique the situation. On X (formerly known as Twitter), he posted: “Blade, lordylordylordy folks still lookin for the secret sauce, ridin snowmobiles in traffic, kinda rough. Daywalkers make it look easy, don’t they?”
Blade, lordylordylordy ? folks still lookin for the secret sauce, ridin snowmobiles in traffic, kinda rough.
— Wesley Snipes (@wesleysnipes) June 16, 2024
Daywalkers make it look easy, don’t they? ?#DaywalkerKlique #Blade #Marvel pic.twitter.com/YZVAqg9egz
His playful jab highlights the difficulties Marvel has faced in capturing the essence of the character and finding the right formula to make the reboot a success. Snipes’ reference to the “secret sauce” seems to nod to the special combination of action, charisma, and dark tone that made his Blade films stand out.
Blade’s Rocky Road in the MCU
The announcement of Ali as Blade at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con was met with excitement and high expectations. Ali, a two-time Oscar winner, seemed like a perfect fit to carry on the legacy of the day-walking vampire hunter. However, the path to production has been fraught with obstacles.
The reboot’s first director, Bassam Tariq, left the project in late 2022 due to scheduling conflicts, and now Demange’s exit compounds the film’s production woes. Each departure has set back the project, causing delays and raising questions about the film’s direction and stability.
Marvel Studios and Disney have not yet commented on Demange’s exit or provided updates on how this will impact the scheduled release date of November 7, 2025. The search for a new director is reportedly underway, but the frequent changes in leadership have left fans wondering if the reboot can capture the magic of the original films.
A Look Back at Snipes’ Blade Legacy
Snipes’ portrayal of Blade was groundbreaking at the time. The original Blade film, released in 1998, was a significant success and is often credited with paving the way for the modern superhero movie era. Its blend of martial arts, vampire lore, and gritty action set a high bar for future adaptations.
Snipes brought a unique intensity and charisma to the role, making Blade a memorable and iconic character. The subsequent films, Blade II and Blade: Trinity, further solidified his impact on the character and the genre. His lighthearted critique of the MCU’s current struggles is a reminder of just how seamlessly he embodied the role.
What’s Next for the MCU’s Blade?
With the Blade reboot still in development, there’s a lot riding on Marvel’s ability to finally get the project on track. Ali’s commitment to the role remains strong, and his talent and presence offer a promising future for the character if the production hurdles can be overcome.
Fans are hopeful that Marvel will find the right director to steer the project back on course and deliver a film that honors both Snipes’ legacy and introduces Blade to a new generation of viewers.
As the search for the new director continues and the clock ticks towards the proposed 2025 release date, all eyes will be on Marvel to see if they can finally crack the code and bring Blade back to the big screen in a way that satisfies both longtime fans and new audiences.
I’ve always liked online games, but finding a decent site can be tough. So, I decided to give woo casino a try. It turned out to be better than expected. The layout is simple but functional, making it easy to find the games I like. Plus, the bonuses are great for new users, giving me some extra playtime without spending too much of my own money. Their selection of slots is amazing, and I found myself trying different ones for hours. There’s a nice variety of bonuses as well, like free spins, cashback, and welcome offers. Overall, the site is fun, and the bonuses make it even better.