Mahershala Ali has not abandoned the idea of starring in a Blade film. During a new interview, the 51-year-old relayed the message that the fate of the film is with the studio as he is “ready” to get to work.
“Call Marvel,” he explained to Variety at the red carpet premiere for his latest film, Jurassic World Rebirth, on Monday (June 23). “I’m ready. Let them know I’m ready.”
Ali also spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about Blade and echoed a similar message.
“I’m just taking it a day at a time. I’m doing the best work I can,” he shared.
“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.”
Last year, Marvel‘s reboot of the Blade film franchise was removed from its 2025 release calendar. The project was first announced in 2019 at San Diego Comic-Con after Ali pitched Marvel President Kevin Feige on him leading as Eric “Blade” Brooks.
According to Variety, Bassam Tariq was first signed on to direct before exiting in September 2022, two months before production was planned to start. Additionally, Yann Demanger was tasked with directing but has also since left the project. Actors Delroy Lindo and Aaron Pierre were also once attached to the Blade reboot but have moved on to other things.
“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,” said Feige in November 2024 at Disney’s D23 Brazil event.
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