Marvel Studios’ ‘Blade’ Is Now a Post-‘Secret Wars’ Film

Hot off the heels of the success of Avengers: Endgame, Marvel Studios broke the internet 6 years ago when they had announced their plans for their next saga with announcements ranging from a Doctor Strange sequel and a Black Widow solo film to a reboot of two iconic Marvel Comics IP’s such as Blade and Fantastic Four; and now it looks like one of those won’t get a release until after Avengers: Secret Wars.

First portrayed on the big screen in 1998, Blade (Eric Brooks), played by Wesley Snipes, is a skilled vampire hunter born with gifted superhuman abilities as he is the offspring of a mother ravaged by vampirism herself making him a human-vampire hybrid with all the strengths of vampires yet with none of their weaknesses. The film was later followed with two sequels releasing in 2002 and 2004 both, after receiving a positive reception from audiences and garnering a cult following. This version of the character also played a supporting role in last year’s Deadpool & Woverine.

Where is Marvel Studios’ Version Of Blade?

One would think after announcing the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of the character back in 2019 that they’d get the film out by 2023 or 2024 at the latest taking into consideration the Covid-19-related delays as well, but it seems that the film has been going through development hell.

In 2021 it was announced by the trades that Bassam Tariq would helm the film only for him to make his departure from the project the following year. At the time this was nothing but a disappointing update for fans anticipating this film, especially when the character made his first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe during a voiceover role in the post-credits scene of Eternals.

Later in 2022, it was announced that Yann Demange would be directing the film, alongside Michael Starrbury who would be penning a new script for the film, replacing Osei-Kuffor and Beau DeMayo who had both departed from the project alongside/after Tariq. Afterwards it was set for the film to begin production in Summer 2023 for a release date in late 2024, but due to the strikes and the script not being finished in time the film was pushed again to 2025.

What was even more unfortunate though, is that the film then lost Yann Demange, its second director. It was then announced that Eric Pearson would be writing the film instead of Starrbury, who had departed as well, with a new release date of November 7th, 2025. Late last year, Marvel Studios removed the film’s release date, leaving it unlisted, leaving 2025 for Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. It’s sad to say that the next Avengers film will be shooting next month in London as well, leaving no hope for Blade to come out before Avengers: Doomsday.

According to reliable film insider, Daniel Richtman, Blade will now be released after Avengers: Secret Wars, as there is no production date attached to it nor a director attached to it.

Even though Kevin Feige had told news outlet, Omelette, that Marvel Studios is still committed to bringing the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s difficult to tell when the film could possibly begin production even after Avengers: Secret Wars and if the character would be actually included in the two upcoming Avengers films or not. We’ve known at some point that Blade was going to be a period piece featuring Mia Goth’s Lilith going after Blade and his daughter.

It’s uncertain how much of this could end up making it to the final cut of the film as it seems that the script is constantly changing. Hopefully we get to see some future updates on the film though, as it would be a loss if the film ended up being cancelled, especially when it stars Mahershala Ali and Mia Goth.

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