Mahershala Ali Keen on MCU Blade Amid Marvel Uncertainty

While promoting his new film Jurassic World Rebirth, Mahershala Ali has shared multiple updates about Marvel's stalled Blade project – none of them encouraging.

Originally unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, Blade was scheduled for release this November had everything proceeded smoothly. However, the plagued production has gone through multiple directors, and six years after its announcement, Mahershala Ali's Blade remains far from realization.

Eight months have passed since Blade disappeared from Marvel's release calendar, with no new premiere date announced. Still, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige maintained last November that Blade would eventually join the MCU: "We're fully committed to Blade and Mahershala's portrayal. When we adjust timelines or creative directions, we keep fans informed – you're seeing everything unfold," he told Omelete.

Mahershala Ali's own updates offer little reassurance. When Variety pressed him about Blade's status, the Oscar winner gave a terse response: "Call Marvel. I'm ready – tell them I'm ready." Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Ali expanded slightly: "I'd love Blade to happen, but Marvel's current priorities are unclear. Right now, I'm focused on finding my next compelling role."

Multiple creatives attached to Blade have revealed details about its collapse. In April, musician Flying Lotus disclosed on X/Twitter that he'd been tapped to score the abandoned film: "That ship has probably sailed – I was onboard to compose music before it fell apart. Would've been incredible."

Costume designer Ruth E. Carter confirmed on The John Campea Show that her 1920s-inspired designs were scrapped when production stalled. Actor Delroy Lindo told Entertainment Weekly about the project's promising early days: "Marvel valued my creative input during discussions with writers and directors. The collaborative energy was electric – until everything derailed."

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The MCU's recent success with Deadpool & Wolverine – featuring Wesley Snipes' Blade cameo – highlights renewed interest in the character. The $1.3 billion blockbuster prompted Ryan Reynolds to advocate for Snipes' Blade receiving a Logan-style farewell film: "Blade pioneered modern superhero cinema," Reynolds tweeted. "No Fox or MCU without him – he's Marvel's founding father. Let's give him the sendoff he deserves."