Demange has departed as director for Marvel Studios' 'Blade' reboot, which has Mahershala Ali attached to star, marking the latest in a series of delays and creative challenges.
- Jun 13, 2024
AceShowbiz - The long-anticipated reboot of Marvel's "Blade" has hit yet another roadblock. Yann Demange, who has been attached to direct the film since November 2022, has officially exited the project. Demange's departure marks the third directorial change for the film, which originally aimed for a 2023 release.
Since Marvel chief Kevin Feige unveiled the reboot at San Diego Comic-Con 2019 with Mahershala Ali set to star, the "Blade" project has faced a series of delays and creative hurdles. Bassam Tariq was initially attached to direct but stepped down in September 2022 citing creative differences. This led to another push in the production timeline and eventually to Eric Pearson taking over scriptwriting duties.
Sources indicate Demange's exit was amicable. However, it signals further delays for the project now slated for release on November 7, 2025. Marvel Studios is undergoing a strategic shift in its production schedule, aiming to release only two films per year, allowing more breathing room for their projects.
Upcoming Marvel titles include "Deadpool & Wolverine" (July 26), "Captain America: Brave New World" (February 14, 2025), "Thunderbolts" (May 5, 2025), and "Fantastic Four" (July 25, 2025).
The character of Blade, also known as Eric Brooks, made his debut in "The Tomb of Dracula" #10 in 1973. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and illustrator Gene Colan, Blade is a half-vampire driven by the desire to avenge his mother's death. Wesley Snipes originally portrayed Blade in a trilogy of films from 1998 to 2004, which became cult classics. Ali's Blade made a brief vocal cameo in the post-credits scene of 2021's "Eternals", heightening fan anticipation for his full debut.
While it's uncertain when the production will finally commence, Pearson is currently working on the latest screenplay draft. Marvel hopes to stabilize the project's trajectory and get back on track following the setbacks caused by both the writers' and actors' strikes of 2023. Marvel's commitment to delivering a quality Blade film remains unwavering as they continue to recalibrate their overall strategy.
Young audiences eagerly awaiting Mahershala Ali's portrayal of the iconic vampire hunter will need to exercise patience as Marvel seeks to bring its vision to the screen without compromising quality. Stay tuned for further updates on this ever-evolving project.
