As we close the book on 2023, one of the biggest stories coming out of Marvel Studios this year was the reshuffling and uncertainty surrounding “Blade.” What was once announced with so much confidence in 2019, has now entered a place where it’s unclear if we’ll ever see it get made. Directors have come and gone. There have reportedly been at least six complete rewrites of the script. And finally, there was a rumor that Mahershala Ali was unhappy and almost left the starring role. But now, in December 2023, it appears that things are back on track. Maybe.
Speaking to EW, while promoting his new Netflix film, “Leave the World Behind,” Mahershala Ali was asked about the status of his “Blade” film. Again, it was originally announced back in 2019 and has seen its release date pushed and pushed, now sitting at November 7, 2025. But we honestly don’t know what to expect from the film, as it appears to be completely on the verge of collapse.
“We’re working on it. That’s the best I could tell you,” Ali said. “I’m really encouraged with the direction of the project. I think we’ll be back at it relatively soon.”
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He continued, “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.”
Currently, filmmaker Yann Demange is attached to direct the film. However, we still don’t know any sort of plot details or anything. What we do know is the film is supposed to receive an R-rating, which is fitting for a film that is based on the character of a vampire hunter.
There’s a lot of anticipation surrounding “Blade,” as it’s one of the most recognizable characters in the Marvel Universe, thanks in no small part to the massively popular “Blade” film franchise from the late-‘90s into the 2000s.
As mentioned, if “Blade” does happen, it’s currently scheduled to hit theaters on November 7, 2025. But I wouldn’t recommend writing that date down in pen, just yet. Stick to pencil.
