Bassam Tariq, the director of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) long-awaited upcoming film Blade, announced his departure in September. Since his release from the project, fans have been concerned about how it will affect the reboot of Marvel’s Blade franchise. Now, Marvel Studios is all set to restart the film’s production as they have hired a new director for the Blade reboot.
According to sources, Yann Demange, the pilot director of the horror/fiction series Lovecraft Country, has joined the project and is set to direct the reboot of Blade. Furthermore, it is also reported that Michael Starrbury will be the film’s new screenwriter.
Why did Bassam Tariq leave Blade?
Just announced in Hall H:
Marvel Studios' Blade, in theaters November 3, 2023. #SDCC2022 pic.twitter.com/EPEOPT8cH9
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 24, 2022
Initially, Blade was set to be released on November 3, 2023. However, two months before the film’s production, Tariq announced his departure from the reboot. So, why did he leave the project? While Tariq has not revealed what made him go on the project, Marvel Studios released a statement claiming that he left because of the production schedule and shifts.
Marvel stated, “Due to continued shifts in our production schedule, Bassam is no longer moving forward as director of Blade but will remain an executive producer on the film. We appreciate Bassam’s talent and all the work he’s done getting Blade to where it is.”
As mentioned above, Yann Demange is replacing Tariq as the new director for Blade, and When They See Us, co-writer writer Michael Starrbury will provide a new script for the film. This means that they are starting the production of Blade from scratch.
New release date for MCU films #Blade — Sept 6, 2024#Deadpool3 — Nov 8, 2024#FantasticFour — Feb 14, 2025 #AvengersSecretWars May 1, 2026 pic.twitter.com/zToJFhsH7U
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) October 11, 2022
Since they are starting from scratch, the film is expected to be released on September 6, 2024.
Two times Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali is portraying Blade
It has already been years since Marvel Studios announced Mahershala Ali would be portraying the character of a Daywalker (half-human/half-vampire), Eric Brooks, who is popularly known as Blade. Indeed, Marvel fans are familiar with the character who walks around slaying vampires.
Before this, Wesley Snipes portrayed this character in 1998, and by god, he nailed it. I’m confident that many fans would love to see Snipes as the Blade from another universe.
I’m told that the current BLADE script is roughly 90 pages and features exactly TWO (lackluster) action sequences. Mahershala said to be very frustrated with the process. Feige said to be spread too thin. But hey, that’s just what sources are telling me. Don’t shoot the messenger
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) September 28, 2022
Furthermore, as per the reports, Ali is frustrated because of the film’s lengthy production process. An Insider, Jeff Sneider reported, “current BLADE script is roughly 90 pages and features exactly TWO (lackluster) action sequences. Mahershala said to be very frustrated with the process.”
The production process will take more time now that the new script for the film is in development.
Blade reboot will be darker than other MCU movies
It is said that the new Blade film will be much darker than other MCU movies. The Hollywood Reporter stated, “Details are being kept under wraps but sources say the new intent is for #Blade to dark and gritty in tone, falling on the edgier side of Marvel fare and maybe even find common shading with the fondly-remembered movies made in the early 2000s.”
Moreover, it seems that there won’t be bloodbaths considering that the movie is not R-rated. The new Blade film is confirmed to be a PG-13-rated film. However, fans would love it better if it was R-rated, just like Wesley Snipes’ Blade, especially since Deadpool 3 will still be an R-rated MCU film.
Talking about the cast members, other than Ali, The Boys star Antony Starr is rumored to play Dracula’s role in the Blade reboot. There are rumors that the movie will introduce us to Blade’s daughter and The Direct’s post backs this rumor. A few months earlier, The Direct reported that a 14-year-old child actress Milan Ray has been added to the cast members of the film.
