Mahershala Ali’s ‘Blade’ Is Still Happening: Kevin Feige Says Initial Project ‘Wasn’t Insanely Great at the Time’ - IndieWire

Marvel's "Blade" Renewed with Mahershala Ali: A Breakthrough for the MCU

The highly anticipated news about Marvel's upcoming "Blade" movie has finally been confirmed, bringing a sigh of relief to fans who had been eagerly waiting for this project. In a press event on July 18, Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, revealed that Mahershala Ali is still attached to the film, offering some clarity to the long-awaited new entry in the MCU.

What's Been Happening with "Blade"

The news about "Blade" has been shrouded in mystery for quite some time. Initially announced in 2018, the movie was expected to be released in August 2022, but it kept getting delayed due to various reasons. The film's script underwent significant changes, and there were reports of creative differences between the studio and the filmmakers.

Mahershala Ali's Involvement

One of the biggest questions surrounding "Blade" has been whether Mahershala Ali would reprise his role as the titular character in a new MCU movie. There was some speculation that he might not be involved, but Feige's confirmation has put an end to those rumors.

Why Is Mahershala Ali Still Attached?

Feige didn't specify why Mahershala Ali is still attached to the project, but it's likely due to his enthusiasm for the character and the franchise. The actor had a great experience playing Blade in the 2022 movie "Blade," which was released on Netflix after being acquired by Marvel Studios.

What Can We Expect from the Movie?

While we don't have much information about the plot, Feige mentioned that the new "Blade" movie will be a "game-changer" for the character. He also hinted at the film's darker tone, which is expected to set it apart from the previous movies.

Implications for the MCU

The renewal of Mahershala Ali for the "Blade" movie has significant implications for the MCU. With Blade joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we can expect him to appear in future movies and TV shows. This could lead to a new era for the character, introducing him to a wider audience.

Conclusion

The confirmation of Mahershala Ali's involvement in "Blade" is a welcome news for fans of the franchise. With the actor attached once again, we can expect a new movie that will explore the darker side of the character. As Feige hinted at the film's tone and potential, it's clear that this movie will be a game-changer for Blade and the MCU.

Timeline: What We Know So Far

• 2018: Marvel Studios announces "Blade" with Mahershala Ali attached.
• 2020: The movie's script undergoes significant changes.
• 2022: The movie is released on Netflix, marking its debut in the MCU.
• July 18, 2023: Kevin Feige confirms that Mahershala Ali is still attached to the "Blade" movie.

Key Players

• Mahershala Ali: The actor who will reprise his role as Blade in the new MCU movie.
• Kevin Feige: The president of Marvel Studios, responsible for overseeing the development of the "Blade" movie.
• Tyrese Gibson: Actor rumored to be playing a supporting role in the movie.

Challenges Ahead

While the confirmation of Mahershala Ali's involvement is a major breakthrough for the project, there are still challenges ahead. The movie needs to live up to expectations and address the concerns raised by fans about the character's depiction. With a darker tone and a new direction, "Blade" has the potential to be a huge hit for Marvel Studios.

Box Office Projections

The box office performance of "Blade" will be crucial in determining its success. Given the actor's popularity and the MCU's track record, there are expectations that the movie could perform well at the box office.

Overall, the renewal of Mahershala Ali for the "Blade" movie brings a new level of excitement to the project. With Kevin Feige's confirmation and the potential for a darker tone, fans can expect a thrilling ride with Blade joining the MCU.