Rumor: Marvel’s ‘Blade’ Reboot In Complete Shambles, Star Mahershala Ali Reportedly “Very Frustrated With The Process”
Spencer Baculi
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According to a new – though unsurprising given the state of the studio’s recent productions – rumor, Marvel and Disney’s upcoming reboot of Blade is shaping up to be a particularly frightening disaster.
Source: Mighty Avengers Vol. 2 #9 (2014), Marvel Comics. Words by Al Ewing, art by Greg Land, Jay Leisten, Frank D’Armata, Edgar Delgado, and Cory Petit.
RELATED: Eric July Explains Why He Believes The Upcoming Blade Film Is “Dead On Arrival”
This alleged production turmoil surrounding the Daywalker’s MCU debut was first brought to light by Los Angeles Magazine reporter Jeff Sneider.
Taking to Twitter on September 27th, the Hollywood insider informed the public, “I’m told that the current BLADE script is roughly 90 pages and features exactly TWO (lackluster) action sequences.”
Archive Link Source: Jeff Sneider Twitter
“Mahershala said to be very frustrated with the process,” he added. “Feige said to be spread too thin. But hey, that’s just what sources are telling me. Don’t shoot the messenger”.
Source: Luke Cage Season 1 Episode 3 “Who’s Gonna Take the Weight?” (2016), Marvel Entertainment
RELATED: Mahershala Ali Explains That Blade Will Bring A Darker Tone To The Marvel Cinematic Universe
Sneider would later offer clarification on his tweet, explaining after receiving some pushback from another user over the clarity of his original message, “I went back to the original message and the word was ‘underwhelming,’ not ‘lackluster.'”
“They are synonyms but my bad… now that we’ve established that, the point you were TRYING to make is moot,” he clarified No, it was not my opinion. We don’t invent sources here my friend.”
Archive Link Source: Jeff Sneider Twitter
Sneider’s supposed Blade scoop came the same day it was officially announced that the film’s attached director, Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli), had dropped out of the project.
In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel revealed, “Due to continued shifts in our production schedule, Bassam is no longer moving forward as director of Blade but will remain an executive producer on the film.
“We appreciate Bassam’s talent and all the work he’s done getting Blade to where it is,” the studio added.
Source: The Tomb of Dracula Vol. 1 #10 “His Name Is…Blade!” (1973), Marvel Comics. Words by Marv Wolfman, art by Gene Colan, Jack Abel, and Petra Goldberg.
Offering up his own statement to the entertainment trade news outlet, Tariq asserted, “It’s been an honor working with the wonderful folks at Marvel.”
“We were able to put together a killer cast and crew,” said the director. “Eager to see where the next director takes the film.”
Source: Blade Vol. 4 #12 “A Stake Through The Heart” (2007), Marvel Comics. Cover art by Marko Djurdjevic.
As of writing, Blade is still searching for a new director.
Ultimately, whether or not Ali will be able to fully flesh out his one-line voice cameo from Eternals’ post-credits scene remains to be seen.
Source: Blade Vol. 4 #1 “Splinter Group” (2006), Marvel Comics. Cover art by Marko Djurdjevic
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