Marvel’s ‘Blade’ reboot has hit another major roadblock with the departure of Delroy Lindo. The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Lindo, who was cast alongside Mahershala Ali, has left the project with his exit is reportedly tied to last year’s double strikes. This exit adds to a series of setbacks for the film since the project was first announced in 2019. Since then the project has lost key cast members and multiple directors.
The ‘Blade’ reboot, featuring Mahershala Ali as the iconic vampire hunter, has faced numerous challenges since its announcement in 2019. Initially slated to begin filming in May 2023 under director Yann Demange, the production was halted by the Writers’ Guild of America strike and the SAG-AFTRA strike. Unlike other Marvel projects that resumed with their original casts, ‘Blade’ saw the release of several actors, including Lindo and Aaron Pierre, leading to further delays.
Aaron Pierre announced his departure in March 2024, citing the project’s evolving nature. During the 55th NAACP Image Awards, Pierre explained that he was no longer part of ‘Blade,’ reflecting the ongoing changes within the production.
Despite these hurdles, Mahershala Ali and Mia Goth remain attached to the film. Ali was cast as Blade with great fanfare at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, set to succeed Wesley Snipes in the role. Goth, originally cast as the vampire Lilith in a 1920s setting, remains involved, although the film is now set in the present day.
Marvel Studios is committed to overcoming these production challenges. They have brought in Eric Pearson, known for ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘Black Widow,’ to rewrite the screenplay. Pearson’s script is expected to be completed by the end of summer, after which Marvel will seek a new director—the third for this project, following the departures of Bassam Tariq and Yann Demange.
The ‘Blade’ reboot is particularly significant for Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, who worked on the original 1998 film. Despite substantial investments and numerous setbacks, Feige and Marvel Studios are determined to create a film that honors the character’s legacy and meets fans’ expectations.
Currently, ‘Blade’ is slated for release on November 7, 2025. This delay reflects Marvel’s new strategy to balance quality and quantity in their film releases following the intense production pace of the early 2020s.
‘Blade,’ created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan, first appeared in ‘The Tomb of Dracula’ #10 in 1973. The character’s unique abilities and compelling backstory have made him a fan favorite, with Wesley Snipes previously portraying him in a successful trilogy.
With Mahershala Ali’s commitment and Marvel Studios’ determination, the ‘Blade’ reboot remains a top priority. As the studio navigates its production challenges, it continues to expand its cinematic universe with upcoming releases like ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ ‘Thunderbolts,’ and ‘Fantastic Four.’
Yann Demange’s departure, described as amicable, marks another pause in ‘Blade’s’ production. Known for his work on ‘White Boy Rick’ and ’71,’ Demange has not publicly commented on his exit. His departure highlights the complexities and high stakes involved in bringing ‘Blade’ back to the big screen.