Marvel Studios’ Blade has been one of the fandom’s most anticipated movies ever since it was announced at 2019’s San Diego Comic-Con. We got our first “look” at his iteration of the character in Chloe Zhao’s Eternals. The movie featured Black Knight (A prominent member of The Midnight Suns), portrayed by Kit Harrington. In the post-credits scene of the movie, Mahershala Ali’s Blade makes a vocal cameo, saying “Are you sure you’re ready for that, Mr. Whitman?”
The MCU’s Supernatural division has grown quite a lot this year, with Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knight and Gael García Bernal’s Werewolf By Night. Both these projects were received very well by the audience, which only got us more interested in this project.
Blade’s Director Change
The movie was in pre-production at that point in time and was heading towards a November production start in Atlanta. In the weeks leading up to Werewolf By Night, news about creative differences started surfacing on the internet. This led to a complete creative overhaul of the project.
It was revealed that the director, Bassam Tariq, had left the project. According to various sources, this was due to non-cooperation on set. The screenplay was allegedly only about 90 pages long with only two action sequences, which were lackluster. Mahershala Ali was said to be very frustrated with the process.
“Blade’s been a beautiful ride,” Tariq said after departing the project. “At this moment, I’m filled with love and gratitude toward the folks at Marvel as well [as] the incredible crew and cast we assembled. I’m eager to see how the next director builds on the foundation we’ve set.”
Bassam Tariq
Marvel Studios’ Blade Movie Finds New Director/ Writer
After a long and extensive search, looks like Kevin Feige has finally found a new director for this title.
Borys Kit of THR reported that the movie had found its new director in Lovecraft Country’s Yann Demange. He will be joined by Michael Starrbury from When They See Us to pen a completely new script for the movie. According to THR, Maharshela Ali was personally involved in selecting the writer. It was also mentioned that the new intent for Blade is to be “Dark and gritty in tone”.
“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 Blade movies made in the early 2000s by New Line.”
THR
Justin Kroll from Deadline corroborated this, saying:
“While it probably won’t be as dark as the previous Blade pics, Insiders say Marvel is looking to go with a darker tone on this film than other MCU projects have been in the past.”
Deadline
Ms. Lizzie Hill from The Cosmic Circus added to this, saying that the title will start filming in July 2023.
Phew! I’d gotten word earlier today things didn’t work out for Bratton & #Blade, & there was a new writer coming on as well but I didn’t have names. This is good news. I will add to this tho I have now heard July 2023 projected for the start of filming.
Lizzie Hill on Twitter
The Crew Reacts To The Blade News
Michael Starrbury expressed his gratitude for the Blade crew on Twitter, and promised to give the fans a movie they “will love”.
“I’m lucky to be working with an amazing, incredibly smart team. I know there are a lot of Blade fans out there and we are going to do our best to give you a movie that you will love. Let’s get it.”
Michael Starrbury on Twitter
Former director Bassam Tariq responded to the news, and said that he “couldn’t be happier for him.”
“The news is finally out: my dear brother Yann Mounir Demange is directing Blade! Y’all are in for a real treat.
Bassam Tariq on Instagram
Yann was intrusmental in giving me the courage to start developing Mogul Mowgli. He played a pivotal role during post as well, helping Riz, my editor (Adam Biskupski) and myself get the film across the finish line. During that time and during the pandemic, Yann became a cherished friend and brother. I couldn’t be happier for him.
As he steps into this role, I am proud to support him as he has supported me.”
When Will ‘Blade’ Release?
Marvel Studios’ Blade is scheduled to release on September 6, 2024.
Marvel 2022 Release Schedule
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: 11 November 2022 (OUT NOW!)
- The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special: 25 November 2022
