Mahershala Ali, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor who was cast as the titular vampire hunter in Marvel Studios’ long-anticipated Blade reboot, has once again voiced his strong desire to start filming the project amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding its production.
During the recent premiere event for Jurassic World: Rebirth, Ali did not hold back his enthusiasm. When asked about the status of Blade, he said, “Call Marvel. I’m ready. Let them know I’m ready.” His statement serves as a powerful reminder to fans and the industry that he remains fully committed to embodying the iconic Marvel character, despite multiple delays that have plagued the film’s development over the past few years.
A Project Facing Numerous Delays
Originally announced back in 2019, Blade was set to be one of the key films in Marvel’s Phase 5 lineup, with a scheduled release date of November 2025. However, the film has since been hit by a series of setbacks. Director changes, script rewrites, and creative reshuffles have slowed progress considerably. Industry-wide labor strikes in recent years further exacerbated these delays.
In October 2024, Marvel Studios quietly removed Blade from its official release calendar, leaving fans anxious and speculating about the film’s future. Despite the silence from Marvel on the matter, Ali’s recent comments indicate that the lead actor is still ready and eager to move forward.
Mahershala Ali’s Passion for Blade
Ali’s dedication to the role is well-documented. Before the reboot was officially announced, he revealed that he personally pitched the idea to Marvel executives, envisioning a fresh take on the legendary vampire hunter. His passion for the character and commitment to representing Blade with depth and nuance have earned him strong support from fans and industry insiders alike.
“Blade is a character I care deeply about,” Ali has said in previous interviews. “He’s complex, powerful, and has a rich history. I want to bring that to life in a way that honors the legacy while pushing the story forward.”
What’s Next for Blade?
While Marvel has not released an updated timeline or official statement regarding the film’s production status, speculation continues that the studio is still working behind the scenes to get Blade back on track. The MCU has seen various projects delayed and shuffled recently, making the future of the Blade reboot a hot topic among fans and media.
For now, Mahershala Ali remains ready to don the iconic leather trench coat and sunglasses of the Daywalker. His public call to action serves as both an encouragement and a reminder that the Blade reboot still holds potential to be a major installment in Marvel’s expanding universe.
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