Mahershala Ali has confirmed he remains eager to take on the role of Marvel’s Daywalker, as the status of the long-awaited Blade movie continues to hang in the balance. While the Oscar-winning actor made it clear he is prepared to begin filming, the ultimate decision now lies with Marvel Studios as the franchise faces repeated delays and uncertainty about the start date.
Marvel’s Blade Reboot Faces Ongoing Delays
It has been more than six years since Marvel Studios revealed plans for Mahershala Ali to lead a new chapter as the vampire slayer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reinvigorating the Blade legacy. Despite early excitement, the project has experienced various setbacks and was eventually pulled from Marvel’s release schedule at the end of last year. Reports initially suggested the film was on indefinite hold, although recent updates implied the movie was simply postponed and not canceled.
Mahershala Ali’s Continued Enthusiasm for Blade
During his appearance on the red carpet for the Jurassic World Rebirth premiere, Mahershala Ali addressed questions about Blade’s progress. Expressing his enduring passion for the role, he told Variety,
“I’m ready. Let them know I’m ready.”
—Mahershala Ali, Actor
He shared more thoughts with The Hollywood Reporter, stating,
“I would love for Blade to happen; we’ll see, I don’t know where Marvel is at right now. I’m just looking for the next great part, I really am.”
—Mahershala Ali, Actor
This openness signals that while Ali is eager to don the iconic trench coat, his commitment may not last forever if other compelling opportunities arise before Marvel Studios moves forward with Blade.
Creative Direction and Script Challenges
The development of Blade has involved multiple writers, including Eric Pearson—whose latest script was believed to have finally satisfied the production team—as well as Michael Green, Stacy Osei-Kuffour, Michael Starrbury, Beau DeMayo, and Nic Pizzolatto. However, the approval process has proven complex, with consensus remaining elusive.
Marvel’s Focus on Multiversal Storylines and Possible Changes
Industry insiders indicate that Marvel Studios is currently prioritizing multiverse-focused stories that lead into major crossover events such as Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. This shift may have resulted in Blade being moved lower on the studio’s list of priorities, making it an unfortunate case of poor timing for Ali’s debut as the Daywalker in the MCU.
Recent fan excitement following Wesley Snipes’ reported cameo in Deadpool and Wolverine could also prompt Marvel to reimagine the new Blade movie as a multiverse adventure. If so, audiences may see both Mahershala Ali and Wesley Snipes portraying different versions of the Daywalker, offering a unique blend of old and new takes on the beloved character.
Marvel’s Assurances About Blade’s Future
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige responded to concerns from fans soon after the latest postponement. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to the project, sharing,
“We are committed to Blade. We love the character. We love Mahershala’s take on him. And rest assured: whenever we change direction with a project, or are still figuring out how it fits into our schedule, we let the audience know. You’re all up to date on what’s happening. But I can tell you that the character will indeed make it to the MCU.”
—Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios President
Feige’s statement underscores Marvel’s determination to bring Blade to the big screen, no matter how long the production challenges may last.
What Lies Ahead for Mahershala Ali and Blade?
As excitement surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe grows, the final fate of Mahershala Ali ready for Blade remains closely tied to the studio’s evolving storytelling strategy and scheduling priorities. The next move from Marvel Studios, whether it is a renewed focus on the Daywalker or further testing of multiverse narratives, could determine if Ali continues in the role or if another opportunity pulls him away. For now, fans and industry watchers alike await Marvel’s decision on when—and how—the vampire slayer will return to the MCU spotlight.
