Marvel Studio’s upcoming reboot of “Blade” has just lost director Bassam Tariq, but it seems he will be staying on as an executive producer.
What Happened?
According to a statement by Marvel, continued shifts in the film’s production schedule caused Tariq to withdraw as director.
“We appreciate Bassam’s talent and all the work he’s done getting Blade to where it is,” the statement also said.
In a separate statement, Tariq said, “It’s been an honor working with the wonderful folks at Marvel. We were able to put together a killer cast and crew. Eager to see where the next director takes the film.”
How This Impacts the Film
The search for a new director will certainly delay the start of shooting the film, which was scheduled to start in November 2022.
A delayed shoot may also mean the November 3, 2023 release date given for “Blade” by Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige at SDCC22 will have to get pushed back, as well.
Currently 2024 already has four Marvel movies on the schedule, including the recently announced “Deadpool 3.” This means it may be 2025 before we see “Blade” on a theater screen.
One other thing to consider with a delayed start to shooting the film is that the already announced cast, which includes Mahershala Ali in the title role, along with Delroy Lindo and Aaron Pierre in undisclosed roles, may have to deal with shooting conflicts with other projects on their schedules.
About Blade
The character of Blade was created by writer Marv Wolfman for 1973’s “The Tomb of Dracula” No. 10.
He is a half-mortal, half-vampire who hunts vampires in order to avenge his mother, who was killed by one as she gave birth to him. You can learn more with Marvel’s 101 on the character.
Actor Wesley Snipes played the character in a trilogy of movies starting with 1998’s “Blade,” and culminating in 2002’s “Blade II” and “Blade: Trinity” in 2004.
The character also appeared in a 2006 self-titled television series where he was portrayed by rapper Sticky Fingaz. The series ran for one season on the now-defunct Spike Network.
And while Ali hasn’t been seen on-screen as Blade, he was heard as the character in an end-credit scene from Marvel’s 2021 film “Eternals.”
What are your thoughts about this new development with the film? Let us know in the comments.