The bad news surrounding Blade seems to have gotten worse. Fans were already disappointed when it was announced that director Bassam Tariq stepped away from the project. While he’s still involved with Blade as an executive producer, Marvel Studios will need to find a brand-new director to helm the project. Now, in addition to that, it’s being reported that Blade star Mahershala Ali is “very frustrated” with the script.
As revealed via insider Jeff Sneider, “the current BLADE script is roughly 90 pages.” While that’s often the normal length for a traditional feature film – it’s shockingly short for a Marvel Cinematic Universe project. Furthermore, he notes that there are “exactly TWO (lackluster) action sequences.” So, if that’s true, it’s understandable that Mahershala Ali would be disappointed. As for Kevin Feige, he appears “to be spread too thin.” Which, given how many projects are going on and the similar situation with Fantastic Four, would be understandable as well. Though he does note “that’s just what sources are telling me. Don’t shoot the messenger.” So all of this information should still be taken with a grain of salt.
Here’s the original tweet:
I’m told that the current BLADE script is roughly 90 pages and features exactly TWO (lackluster) action sequences. Mahershala said to be very frustrated with the process. Feige said to be spread too thin. But hey, that’s just what sources are telling me. Don’t shoot the messenger
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) September 28, 2022
Out of the original Blade trilogy, at least two of the films are highly-regarded as action-horror classics. So, with that in mind, there’s a lot of potential for a Blade reboot. And, furthermore, big shoes to fill. If the script is that disappointing – and the film no longer has a director – then this could be worrisome news for fans. Hopefully everything can get back on track, however, and we’ll be surprised with another great Blade movie.
The screenplay for the film was previously penned by Stacy Osei-Kuffour. However, Beau DeMayo is the current screenwriter attached. The film is currently scheduled to hit theaters on November 3, 2023. Of course, given the loss of the film’s director, it’s possible that the film will be delayed. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for additional updates as we have them.