Marvel: Blade star Mahershala Ali is "sincerely encouraged" about film's future

Which is harder to kill: a vampire or a Phase Six MCU film? I can't say I know the answer but, apparently, they're both pretty resilient.

Despite two release delays, one director's resignation, and weeks of halted production during the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes, the Blade movie is making forward movement. At least, according to its star.

In a chat with Entertainment Weekly, published today, Mahershala Ali got on the topic of the upcoming entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which stars the Oscar winner as the titular vampire slayer.

"We’re working on it," said Ali of the film, which sees the actor re-enter the MCU after his role of Cottonmouth in Luke Cage was recently de-canonized. "That’s the best I could tell you. [...] I’m really encouraged with the direction of the project. I think we’ll be back at it relatively soon."

He continues, "I’m sincerely encouraged in terms of where things are at and who’s on board and who’s leading the way as far as the writing of the script and the directing and all that."

As of this writing, the director Ali's referencing is Yann Demange, known for Birtish thriller '71, and the writers are Michael Starrbury (When They See Us), Nic Pizzolatto (True Detective) and Michael Green (Logan).

Encouraged though Ali might be, there are still enough challenges facing Blade to frighten even the most experienced monster-hunters. That includes unhappy brass at Disney, over a year of filming and editing, and of course, a fan base that will no doubt be comparing the new movie to their beloved Wesley Snipes classic.

All this to say, Blade's still got a long way to go before it sees the light of day. But just like the character he's playing, Mahershala Ali seems to be looking forward to the daylight.

Blade is slated for release November 7, 2025.

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