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For the fans who have been waiting to see Mahershala Ali take on the mantle from Wesley Snipes, we unfortunately have some pretty bad news that will have you bummed out. After going through multiple delays, two directors, and a few writers, the reboot was all set to be released in November next year. But it looks like it will be a while before we see Marvel Cinematic Universe’s take on the vampire.
Fans of Mahershala Ali and the Marvel character are obviously disappointed and they sure have the right to be. While these delays are probably happening for the sake of the film, we cannot help but feel a pang of annoyance at the circumstances. Mahershala Ali, on the other hand, is reportedly A-okay with whatever Marvel Studios is planning for his film.
Mahershala Ali’sBladeHas Been Delayed Indefinitely
Bladewas set to be released on July 01, 2025, but to no one’s surprise, the film has been delayed further. As reported byDeadline, this time the delay does not come with a definite release date, putting the future of the reboot in a haze.
Instead ofBlade,Elle Fanning’sPredator: Badlandshas occupied the Nov. 07 spot for itself.Mahershala Ali’s film has been pulled from Disney’s roster altogether for the moment.
On the other hand, the release dates of three unidentified MCU films have been disclosed – June 27, 2025, August 20, 2025, and June 24, 2025.
“Swap Keanu for Ali, hand him a sword”: Beau DeMayo’s Plan for Mahershala Ali’s Blade is Ridiculously Simple and That is What the Fans Want
Obstacles have become a part of the reboot’s journey ever since Ali signed on as Blade. AsVarietyreported back in 2023, the reboot has gone through two directors, at least five writers, and a shutdown just 6 weeks before production. As a result, the film which was initially eyeing a release date of 2023, faced delay after delay.
Later, reports stated that Ali was at one point demoted to the fourth lead in his own film to support a narrative led by women. This allegedly didn’t sit right with the two-time Oscar-winning actor, who was ready to leave the film. This promptedKevin Feigeto hireMichael Greento come up with an entirely new script.
Thus, the film’s release went from 2023 to 2025, and now to who knows when.
Mahershala Ali is Apparently Happy with the Update
As the lead actor of the film, Ali probably knows better than all of us combined but it seems rather absurd that he would be willing to stick with the film despite the setbacks.
On the recent episode ofTHE HOT MICpodcast,Jeff Sneiderand John Rocha discussed this indefinite delay of the reboot. During their discussion, Rocha revealed that a friend of his spotted Ali leaving Disney’s offices and that the actor seemed in good spirits.
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This reported anecdote took place about a week before the podcast episode was aired, which suggests that Ali not only knew about the delay but was also on board with it.
Rocha stated,
I have a friend, I’m gonna throw this out there, he was at Club 23 recently and Mahershala Ali was walking out like, they had some kind of combo area kind of thing and he saw Mahershala Ali walking out from the Disney offices and he was saying on the phone, ‘I’m really excited of what they’re doing here and I’m happy that they made this decision.’ And this was 6-7 days ago that I was told this. So, I’m sure Mahershala Ali knew that they were going to delay this.
While we cannot confirm whether Ali is actually happy with the update or not, all we know is that there are now a ton of expectations onBlade’s shoulders for making it a great addition to the MCU. After all, all these delays better be worth it, right?
Mishkaat Khan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2257
A connoisseur of all things horror, fantasy, and the occasional chick flick, Mishkaat has been penning pieces for FandomWire since 2022. She started off as an intern and has worked her way up to a Senior Writer with over 2000 articles to her name.Outside of entertainment, she has also written well-researched medical content as a freelance writer and has experience in social media management.When not writing, you may find her relaxing with a romance novel and a tall glass of iced coffee in her hand or watching re-runs of ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Office.’
