The writer for the original Blade trilogy opens up about how the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been struggling with its upcoming reboot for Mahershala Ali’s character. While The Multiverse Saga is getting closer to its end, one of the projects that Marvel Studios have yet to deliver is the Blade reboot, following the announcement at San Diego Comic-Con 2019 that Ali would be joining the franchise as the Marvel icon. As Blade has been stuck in development hell for years, Marvel Studios is still intending to go through with the film as they are still working on the script.
While fans have been wondering why it has been so difficult for Marvel Studios to put together a Blade film, someone who is more than familiar with the character has also discussed the matter. During his appearance on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, David S. Goyer, who wrote the original Blade trilogy and directed Blade: Trinity, was asked about the situation with the MCU’s reboot film with Ali, with the screenwriter sharing the following:
In my mind, I think Blade is a relatively simple story. It’s not complicated. I always think when you embark on a movie like this, you have to distil down what the promise of the movie [is]. The promise of a new Blade is that it should have insane ᴀss kicking, it should be pretty scary, might be R-Rated, and it should not be complicated. It should be a simple story. So, I don’t know why it’s been so hard. I have no idea why. I’m baffled. Mahershala Ali is an amazing actor. I don’t know why.
Another topic that got brought up was how Wesley Snipes reprised the role of Blade in 2024’s ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine. While Goyer stated that it was fun seeing his Blade back, he was also confused by Marvel Studios’ choice to include him in the midst of trying to do their reboot film, sharing the following:
I thought that was cool, too, but it’s confusing also, if you are trying to do another one. Yeah, it may have just been an acknowledgement that ‘Yeah, we can’t crack it right now.’ I have no idea. I haven’t been involved in the conversations.
What David S. Goyer’s Comments Mean For The MCU’s Blade Reboot
One of the key things to remember about the original Blade movies is that they came out during a time where superhero cinematic universes were not a normal thing in Hollywood, as executives were still very hesitant about investing money and time into comic book adaptations. Between 1998 and 2004, three Blade movies were able to get produced, which goes into Goyer’s point that finding stories for this character “should not be complicated“. This backdrop reinforces the confusion and concern around how long the MCU timeline has had its Blade movie in development.
Given how far the MCU has come with elements like the supernatural side of the franchise, and in terms of its R-rated stories, this should be the proper time for a Blade film to happen without this many problems. However, the many screenwriters that have been attached to the release and the directors who have exited the project raise the question of what Marvel Studios wants out of their MCU Blade movie, and who is able to make this vision a reality. That said, hearing Goyer have the same concern as a lot of Marvel fans just goes to show how surprising Blade’s development process has been.
Our Take On David S. Goyer’s Blade Reboot Comments
Following Goyer’s comments about how he looks at Blade, time will tell if Marvel Studios is getting closer to having a finalized vision for their reboot. From the Blade plans that have been revealed in past reports, it wouldn’t be shocking if Ali’s movie doesn’t happen until Phase 7 at this point, as the MCU is focused on finishing The Multiverse Saga with their Phase 6 plans. Hopefully, before 2025 is over, Marvel Studios will have some exciting updates on Blade as they get closer to bringing his film to life.
Source: Happy, Sad, Confused/YouTube
