The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to production delays or creative overhauls. But few projects in recent memory have become as confusing as the ‘Blade’ reboot starring Mahershala Ali.
Originally announced in 2019, the film was supposed to mark a bold new chapter for Marvel’s darker, supernatural storytelling. And yet, nearly six years later, ‘Blade’ remains caught in development hell.
“It Shouldn’t Be This Hard”: David S. Goyer Believes Marvel Is Overcomplicating Blade Reboot
David S. Goyer, the screenwriter behind the original ‘Blade’ trilogy, recently broke his silence on the matter during an interview on the Happy Sad Confused. Goyer expressed confusion and frustration over Marvel Studios’ inability to get the reboot off the ground, despite having a two-time Oscar winner in the lead role.
Related: Mahershala Ali Is Reportedly Very Happy And Excited About The Direction Of ‘Blade’
With blunt honesty Goyer shared what many fans have been thinking all along: Blade doesn’t need to be complicated. “In my mind, I think Blade is a relatively simple story. It’s not complicated,” Goyer said. “I always think when you embark on a movie like this, you have to distill down what the promise of the movie is.”
He continued, “The promise of a new Blade is that it should have insane ass-kicking. It should be pretty scary, might be R-rated. And it should not be complicated. 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.” You can hear the disappointment behind Goyer’s words.
As the man responsible for helping bring the vampire hunter to the big screen Goyer knows how Blade can work. The original ‘Blade’ film debuted in 1998 when comic book movies were still a risky bet. Yet it succeeded, not because of a sprawling shared universe or endless CGI, but because it knew exactly what it was: gritty, violent, and stylish.
How Wesley Snipes’ Deadpool Cameo Creates More Confusion
Goyer also weighed in on Wesley Snipes’ surprise return as Blade in the upcoming ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ movie, a cameo that made fans go crazy. While Goyer acknowledged the cool factor of seeing Snipes back in action, he couldn’t help but point out the awkwardness of that decision, given the current reboot struggles.
In case you missed it: ‘Blade’ Filmmakers Are Developing New Script With Darker R-Rated Tone For The Film
“I thought that was cool too,” he admitted, “but it’s confusing also if you’re trying to do another one.” His point resonates deeply. Snipes has been Blade for an entire generation, and seeing him return evokes undeniable nostalgia. However, for a studio trying to pass the torch to a new actor and reboot the franchise, the timing of such a cameo was risky.
Rather than building anticipation for Mahershala Ali’s take on the character, it may inadvertently remind fans of what they’re missing out on. Marvel Studios’ decision to include the original Blade in a multiversal comedy like ‘Deadpool & Wolverine‘ while simultaneously struggling to launch a new iteration feels like a mixed message. Is the studio paying tribute, or quietly admitting it hasn’t figured out how to move forward?
Marvel has all the pieces: a top-tier actor in Ali, a beloved legacy from the Snipes era, and an audience hungry for more. What it lacks, according to Goyer, is clarity of vision. “Just tell a good, scary story with kickass vampire fights,” Goyer seems to say between the lines. “Why is that so hard?”
