The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ‘Blade’ reboot has been one of the studio’s most talked-about and most troubled projects. Originally announced in 2019, the film was set to usher in a new era of supernatural storytelling. It was to be led by two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali as the Daywalker himself.
However, six years later, the project has become a case study in how even Marvel, with all its cinematic might, can lose its footing. Now, one of the actors who was once attached to the movie and has since crossed over to DC is pulling back the curtain on what really went wrong. Aaron Pierre, who will next appear in James Gunn’s DC Universe as Green Lantern, has revealed the truth behind his departure from ‘Blade’.
The Harsh Truth Behind Marvel’s Troubled ‘Blade’
When Aaron Pierre was first cast in ‘Blade’, the announcement sent waves of excitement through fans. Known for his standout performances, Pierre’s casting was seen as another example of Marvel’s commitment to bringing serious acting talent to its superhero roster. However, as the film’s production woes mounted, Pierre quietly exited the project and only now is he explaining why. Speaking to Men’s Health, Pierre shared his perspective on what went down.
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“I remember being cast in Blade and feeling elated. But something I learned during that time was that until you step foot on the set, you haven’t commenced work. It just took a different creative direction, and I was no longer a part of it. You have to accept that.” Pierre’s words suggest that his exit wasn’t the result of a personal disagreement or creative dispute, but rather, the symptom of a project that kept shifting under everyone’s feet. Over the last few years, Blade has cycled through multiple directors and writers.
Unsurprisingly, each new team brought a drastically different vision for the story. At one point, the movie was reportedly set in the 1920s, leaning into a noir-inspired horror tone. Another version brought the story back to the present day, grounding Blade in the modern MCU landscape. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has since confirmed that at least four versions of Blade were developed, two in the past, two in the present, before the studio finally settled on a modern-day setting.
That kind of constant reinvention is rarely a good sign. And for actors like Pierre, it meant that even confirmed roles weren’t guaranteed to survive. What was once an exciting opportunity quickly became another casualty of Marvel’s struggle to redefine itself in the post-Endgame era. Still, Pierre’s story doesn’t end in disappointment. He’s since found a new home and a new superpowered identity in the DC Universe, where he’ll play Green Lantern John Stewart in ‘Lanterns’.
Mia Goth And Mahershala Ali Still Have Faith In ‘Blade’
Pierre’s exit isn’t the only turbulence ‘Blade’ has faced. The film’s revolving door of directors and writers has left fans wondering if the project will ever actually materialize. Yet through it all, two names have stayed consistent: Mahershala Ali and Mia Goth. Ali, who personally championed the reboot and even called Marvel himself to pitch his casting, remains deeply committed to the role.
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Meanwhile, Mia Goth, who is reportedly playing the villainous Lilith, has reassured fans that she’s still attached to the project. She believes the long delays might actually be a blessing in disguise. Speaking to Elle Magazine, Goth said: “It’s for the best that it’s taken the time that it has. They want to do it right.” It’s an optimistic sentiment that contrasts with the general anxiety surrounding Blade’s production. Goth even doubled down on her earlier comments from 2024, reiterating that the filmmakers “really care” and that “they want to make a great movie.”
While optimism is refreshing, reality tells a more complicated story. ‘Blade’ was originally slated for release on November 3, 2023, before being delayed to September 2024, then February 2025, and finally November 2025. Then it was quietly removed from Marvel’s release calendar entirely in late 2024. As of now, no new release date has been announced, and reports suggest the project is being rebuilt yet again from the ground up.
