BMarvel’s new Blade movie was announced in 2019 at San Diego Comic-Con during the Marvel Cinematic Universe panel – though the fate of the film may appear less clear years later. Everything known about Blade has fluctuated over the years, with Mahershala Ali’s starring role being the only consistent feature. The actor was announced along with the film and has been heavily involved in trying to get the story right. However, five years on, with no start on production, it is beginning to look to some like the film may never actually release.
Image By Zoe Miskelly
It is reasonable to wonder what is going on with Blade, as the protracted difficulties the project has faced raise inevitable questions regarding its release. The announced films that the studio had difficulties with in the past, such as Inhumans, have been converted to other mediums or canceled outright, which has also exacerbated questions surrounding the status of the installment. Following the Wesley Snipes films and the underrated Blade TV show, pressure is high for the upcoming MCU reboot.
Marvel’s Blade Movie Is Still Slated To Release In 2025
Blade Is Set For Release November 7, 2025
Marvel has not confirmed that Blade is no longer happening, although the state of the film is unclear. Variety reported in 2023 that the script was revamped after Mahershala Ali was dissatisfied with its prior iteration. This and other complications, including the 2023 strikes, have resulted in the film being delayed several times. The writers have changed multiple times, and after the departure of Bassam Tariq in June 2024, the film currently has no director.
The film is still on Marvel’s schedule for 2025. Notably, little information has been revealed following Tariq’s departure, with only some small Blade comments made by Kevin Feige and others. Mahershala Ali has continued to work and will next be filming the Jurassic World sequel, which is set to release the same year as Blade. Marvel’s latest revealed release date is still set for November 2025, as announced in November 2023. This is more than two years after the original release date of November 3, 2023.
Why Mahershala Ali’s Blade Movie Is Looking Uncertain
No Updates Have Been Provided Since Director Bassam Tariq Left The Project
Following Blade’s extended development hell, it’s clear why there are theories that the film may not ever be released. With rumored stories that relegate Blade to a supporting role in his own film, as well as rumors of changing period settings, it appears that there is no consistent vision for the project. Even the rating of the film, whether PG-13 or R, has been disputed and changed through the years, now cemented at the more adult R rating. Until all involved parties can agree on a direction, the film will not be able to be made.
These delays were referenced in joke form in the new MCU film Deadpool & Wolverine, so clearly Marvel is aware of the severity of these issues. However, the studio has not taken any real action to show the public that a focus has been decided, or that production moving forward. At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Kevin Feige took to the stage to discuss every 2025 Marvel movie except for Blade. No mention of the film was made, and it is unclear if it is still a priority for the studio.
Will The MCU’s Blade Movie Still Release In 2025?
Marvel’s 2025 Slate Also Includes Captain America 4, Thunderbolts*, And The Fantastic Four
Blade could still make its intended release date, although things are not looking certain. Following some rumors, it is possible that the film may be a smaller, darker, R-rated project, and something of that make could require less post-production compared to most Marvel films. Shooting late this year could allow the studio to assemble the feature in time for a November 2025 release date. After all, The Fantastic Four: First Steps just started filming this week for a July 2025 release.
