Fans were ecstatic when Marvel Studios announced a theatrical reboot of Blade. Sadly, the project has been plagued with numerous problems ever since that announcement, and now a new update reveals even more issues for the movie. For fans who have been keeping up with the film know, the MCU has already gone through five writers and two directors. There is however, a new update that is likely to excite those who have been waiting.
Director Yann Demange recently confirmed with Deadline that the film will be rated R, promising a dark and gritty take on the iconic vampire slayer. With two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali stepping into the role of Blade, this reboot is set to bring a new level of intensity and sophistication to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Blade, originally released in 1998, was a groundbreaking film that introduced audiences to the world of Marvel’s vampire hunter. Starring actor Wesley Snipes, the original Blade trilogy quickly gained a cult following for its action-packed sequences and unique blend of horror and superhero elements.
As mentioned before, the road to bringing Blade back to the big screen hasn’t been without its many challenges. The film faced production issues and a creative overhaul, with director Bassam Tariq exiting the project a month before production was set to begin. However, Yann Demange stepped in as the new director in 2022, bringing his unique vision and storytelling style to the project. Unfortunately, production was further delayed due to the WGA strike, pushing the release date from September 6, 2024, to February 14, 2025.
Blade will be joining the exclusive club of R-rated films in the MCU, with Deadpool 3 being the first to receive the honor. This move by Marvel showcases the studio’s commitment to exploring a wider range of storytelling possibilities and catering to a more mature audience. By embracing the R rating, Marvel is giving directors the creative freedom to fully explore the darker and more adult themes that the Blade character demands.
The release date for Blade is currently set for February 14, 2025.