The long-awaited Blade reboot has had quite a bumpy ride, and we’re still waiting to see the final product. Originally announced back in 2019 with Mahershala Ali set to star as the iconic vampire hunter, the film has had its share of delays, director exits, and shifting release dates.
So, what do we know about the Blade movie that could have been—and is Ryan Coogler the key to finally getting this reboot on track?
When Marvel first announced Ali as Blade, we were beyond excited. The two-time Oscar winner was the perfect pick for the role of the half-vampire, half-mortal hero. Joining him were Aaron Pierre and Delroy Lindo, though both of their roles remained a mystery.
The film seemed like it was set to be a game-changer, with Ali leading a talented cast in a fresh take on the character.
However, things didn’t go as smoothly as expected. Director Bassam Tariq, who was originally attached to the project, left in 2022, leading to a search for a new director. Yann Demange was brought in to fill the void, but he too exited the project.
With both directors dropping out, we began to wonder when, or if, the Blade reboot would ever make it to the big screen.
The production delays have pushed the release of Blade further back. Originally slated for November 2023, the film’s release was moved to September 2024.
However, recent announcements revealed that Blade won’t be released in November 2025, with Predator: Badlands now taking its spot.
Lindo recently opened up about the movie’s rocky journey. In an interview with Deadline, Lindo shared that the project initially seemed promising, with conversations around making Blade’s character feel more inclusive and fresh. However, he also admitted that, “for whatever reason, it just went off the rails.”
With all the chaos surrounding the Blade reboot, one name keeps coming up as a potential savior for the film: Ryan Coogler.
Coogler might be the perfect director for the Blade reboot, especially after what he pulled off with vampires in Sinners. The way he blended horror and emotional depth in Sinners really showcased his ability to tackle the supernatural while keeping the story grounded. He has a knack for combining intense action with strong character development, which is exactly what Blade needs.
When recently asked about his favorite Black vampire, Coogler responded, “Blade.”
While the delays and director changes have raised doubts, we’re still excited and hopeful to see Ali’s performance as the daywalker. With the right direction, maybe even Coogler at the helm, this Blade reboot could still be worth the wait.
Until then, we’ll have to keep our fingers crossed that the film finally gets back on track and delivers the vampire-slaying action we’ve been waiting for.
