In a not-so-surprising turn of events due to the problems plaguing this production, director Yann Demange has exited Marvel Studios’ reboot of ‘Blade,’ according to a confirmation from The Hollywood Reporter. Demange’s departure, described as amicable, marks another chapter in the project’s ongoing challenges since its announcement in 2019.
The reboot, starring Mahershala Ali as the titular vampire hunter, was unveiled with much fanfare by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige at San Diego Comic-Con 2019. Ali, known for his acclaimed roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book,’ was introduced to fans with a Blade cap, generating significant excitement. The cast also includes Delroy Lindo and Mia Goth, adding star power to the highly anticipated film.
Initially set to begin production in fall 2022, the film hit a major roadblock when its first director, Bassam Tariq, left due to creative differences. Ali then personally selected Demange, renowned for his work on HBO’s ‘Lovecraft Country,’ to helm the project. However, further delays ensued, notably with the onset of the writers’ strike in May 2023, stalling the film’s progress.
In addition to Demange’s exit, Aaron Pierre recently revealed his departure from the ‘Blade’ remake. Pierre shared the news with Variety during the 55th NAACP Image Awards, stating, “Early on, there were conversations. As the project evolved, I’m no longer part of that — attached.” Pierre’s departure adds to the series of setbacks and changes that have plagued the development of Marvel’s ‘Blade’ reboot. Howvever Delroy Lindo and Mia Goth are still to star attached alongside Mahershala Ali.
Despite these setbacks, Ali remains committed to the role of Blade. Marvel Studios is not rushing the film’s production, with the latest script draft being penned by Marvel veteran Eric Pearson. The film is currently slated for a release date of November 7, 2025.
This latest development occurs as Marvel Studios recalibrates its production strategy, aiming for a more measured release schedule of around two films per year. This shift follows the intense production pace of the early 2020s, which saw a rapid expansion of Marvel’s film and TV content.
Ali’s Blade character, also known as Eric Brooks, is a half-vampire vampire hunter who first appeared in ‘The Tomb of Dracula’ #10, created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Gene Colan in 1973. Blade’s unique abilities and compelling backstory have made him a fan favorite, previously brought to life by Wesley Snipes in a successful trilogy during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Ali’s Blade has yet to appear on screen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), although his voice made a cameo in a post-credits scene of 2021’s ‘Eternals,’ hinting at the character’s impending debut.
As Marvel Studios continues to navigate the complexities of its production schedule, upcoming releases include ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ on July 26, 2024, ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ on February 14, 2025, ‘Thunderbolts’ on May 5, 2025, and ‘Fantastic Four’ on July 25, 2025.
Demange, whose previous credits include the films ‘White Boy Rick’ and ’71,’ has not yet commented publicly on his departure. His exit, however, signals another pause in Blade’s journey back to the big screen.
The Wrap first reported the news of Demange’s exit.