David S. Goyer, the original writer of the Blade movies, says he is puzzled by the long delays in bringing Blade into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Goyer said the Blade story is “relatively simple” and “should have insane action, be scary, and maybe R-rated,” but “not complicated.”
Goyer also reacted to Wesley Snipes’ surprise return as Blade in the 2024 film Deadpool & Wolverine. He said this cameo might have made the new Blade reboot more difficult, adding, “It’s confusing if you’re trying to do another one.” Snipes’ return was popular and reminded fans of his iconic role.
Marvel first announced the MCU Blade movie in 2019 with Mahershala Ali as the lead. Since then, the project has faced many delays. Ali’s Blade appeared only briefly in a post-credits scene of 2021’s Eternals. The movie has had several writers and directors attached but no release date, and it was even removed from Marvel’s calendar. Still, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige says Ali remains involved.
The Blade films starring Snipes were groundbreaking for Marvel. The 1998 Blade movie was the first Marvel property to succeed at the box office. Snipes returned for Blade II in 2002, and Goyer directed Blade: Trinity in 2004, which had production problems and mixed reviews.
Snipes’ recent cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine placed him among other fan-favorite heroes from before the MCU era. His Blade quip about there being only one Blade was a playful nod to the MCU reboot’s struggles.
Despite Marvel’s success with many projects, Blade’s reboot continues to face challenges. Fans and Goyer hope Marvel can soon find a way to bring Mahershala Ali’s Blade fully into the MCU, especially with the multiverse allowing new storytelling options.
The original Blade movies are available for rent on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Deadpool & Wolverine streams on Disney+.
