Mahershala Ali Remains Committed to the MCU Despite Blade’s Delay

Great news for fans of the dark arts; you can breathe easy without worrying about a certain vampire slayer making an appearance shortly, as the upcoming Blade film has been postponed indefinitely.

The highly anticipated Mahershala Ali-led project was originally slated for a late 2025 release within Marvel’s Phase 6 framework, but it has now been mysteriously removed from the cinema lineup, with no new date revealed.

As of now, Marvel Studios has not provided any official comments regarding the disappearance of Blade. However, Cosmic Circus – a credible insider with a solid history – has suggested that the MCU film has been sidelined because it’s not aligned with the overarching multiverse storyline.

Reportedly, Blade, along with Armor Wars and Nova, does not fit into the expansive narrative that Marvel executives aim to construct. This is undoubtedly disappointing for the loyal fans of Marvel’s iconic daywalker, though it’s not the end of the world.

Blade is Not Finished

Importantly, Blade has not been officially canceled, and despite rumors of internal discord, Ali remains attached to the lead role.

While it is frustrating that we won’t witness Blade thwarting a vampire apocalypse next year, it is very likely he will still be hunting bloodsucking fiends and confronting undead foes once Marvel wraps up with Secret Wars.

It’s crucial to note that the removal of the Blade film does not indicate the character will be absent from the MCU. Marvel has a long tradition of integrating characters into various projects (after all, Blade made a voice cameo in the underrated Eternals), and it’s likely we’ll see him again soon.

Why? Well, for starters, Mahershala Ali has been waiting for this project for five years, and Marvel must rekindle excitement around a standalone Blade film.

The Daywalker Set to Make a Return

Mahershala Ali in Alita Battle Angel. — Warner Bros.

I genuinely anticipate another Blade cameo within the next 18 months or so. Although there isn’t any upcoming release that seems particularly fitting for the half-vampire hero, that doesn’t eliminate the potential for a surprise appearance (I mean, who expected him to show up in Eternals?) or a timely announcement regarding the vampire hunter’s next adventure.

This ties into further claims from Cosmic Circus, which indicate that Blade will play a significant role in the future of the MCU as a member of the Midnight Sons (a sort of supernatural Avengers team) and will be central to the darker aspects of the Marvel universe. Supposedly, this is why Ali hasn’t exited the project; he knows that with some patience, he will be able to enjoy the fruits of his success with Marvel’s backing.

On a more serious note, the MCU has barely scratched the surface of the supernatural elements within Marvel comics. The narrative ventures they have undertaken so far, such as Werewolf by Night and Agatha All Along, have resonated well with both fans and critics. Thus, it is strategically sound for Marvel to delve deeper into this intriguing realm and fully embrace its more bizarre narratives.

It’s also worthwhile to remember that projects like Werewolf by Night are not as demanding as some of the larger Marvel installments. With production starting in August 2021, it was released by October 2022— a remarkably quick turnaround for Marvel. This paves the way for the possibility of Marvel unveiling a new standalone special, whether it be Halloween-themed or otherwise, well within an 18-month timeline.

While things may appear grim for Blade at present, I understand the disappointment; however, rest assured that this vampire hunter will not be struggling indefinitely.

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