David S. Goyer, the screenwriter behind the original Wesley Snipes-led Blade trilogy, has expressed his readiness to assist Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige in resolving the challenges facing the Mahershala Ali-led Blade reboot within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Goyer, who played a pivotal role in bringing the Daywalker to the big screen in the late 1990s and early 2000s, recently shared his thoughts on the reboot’s development hurdles and his willingness to contribute to its success.(ComicBook.com)
A Legacy Revisited
The original Blade films, starring Wesley Snipes, were groundbreaking in their portrayal of a Black superhero and their R-rated, horror-infused take on the Marvel character. Goyer’s involvement as a writer and director in the trilogy helped establish Blade as a cult classic and a precursor to the modern superhero film era. Despite past tensions during the production of Blade: Trinity, Goyer now emphasizes the importance of the character’s legacy and the potential of the reboot.(Diario AS)
In a recent interview, Goyer praised Mahershala Ali’s casting, stating, “Mahershala is A-mazing! I mean, I can’t think of anyone better to take on the mantle of that.” He acknowledged the difficulties Marvel has faced in developing the reboot, noting, “They’ve clearly had struggle after struggle after struggle with it. So I’m really curious to see where it goes – but also, I believe that it should be someone else’s story to tell now” .(ComicBook.com)
Challenges in the Reboot’s Development
Since its announcement in 2019, the Blade reboot has encountered numerous obstacles, including multiple changes in writers and directors. The film has seen the departure of directors Bassam Tariq and Yann Demange, as well as several screenwriters, leading to delays in production. As of now, Eric Pearson, known for his work on Thor: Ragnarok and Black Widow, is attached as the screenwriter .(People.com)
The film’s release date has also been a moving target. Initially slated for November 7, 2025, it has been removed from Disney’s release calendar, with no new date announced . Despite these setbacks, Marvel Studios remains committed to bringing Blade into the MCU, aiming to honor the character’s legacy while introducing him to a new generation of fans.(EW.com)
Wesley Snipes’ Perspective
Wesley Snipes, who originally portrayed Blade, has shown support for the reboot and Mahershala Ali’s casting. In a statement, Snipes said, “To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx. Although the news comes as a surprise, it’s ALL GOOD. Such is the ‘business’ of ‘entertainment!’ Much peace to the MCU crew – always a fan. Honor and respect to the grandmaster Stan. Congratulations and Salaam to Mahershala Ali, a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come” .(EW.com)
While not directly involved in the reboot, Snipes has offered advice to Ali, emphasizing the physical demands of the role and encouraging him to “make sure you’re in shape” and “enjoy it while it lasts” .(Superhero Hype)
Looking Ahead
As Marvel Studios continues to navigate the complexities of rebooting Blade, the willingness of original contributors like David S. Goyer to assist underscores the enduring impact of the character and the importance of honoring his cinematic legacy. With Mahershala Ali’s talent and the support of those who helped establish Blade’s place in film history, there remains optimism that the Daywalker will return to the big screen in a manner befitting his storied past.(ComicBook.com, Entertainment Tonight)
