Wesley Snipes’ ‘Blade’ Trilogy Writer Is Ready to Help Marvel’s Delayed Reboot Get Made: ‘What in the World Is Going On? Why Is It Taking So Long?’”
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been the epitome of box office dominance, but one project that continues to stumble in development hell is the highly anticipated reboot of Blade. Originally scheduled for release years ago, the reboot starring Mahershala Ali has faced numerous delays, rewrites, and directorial changes. Amid fan frustration and industry confusion, David S. Goyer—writer of the original Blade trilogy starring Wesley Snipes—has voiced his concerns and offered a helping hand to get the project back on track. In his words: “What in the world is going on? Why is it taking so long?”
With Goyer’s bold statement ringing across fan forums and social media, it’s worth diving deep into the context, history, and current state of Marvel’s Blade reboot, examining what’s gone wrong, what could go right, and why Goyer’s involvement could be the shot of adrenaline the project so desperately needs.
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The Legacy of the Original ‘Blade’ Trilogy
Before the MCU or even X-Men (2000) and Spider-Man (2002), there was Blade (1998). Wesley Snipes’ portrayal of the half-human, half-vampire vampire hunter was a genre-defining moment in comic book cinema. Dark, violent, and unapologetically stylish, Blade brought superhero grit to the silver screen in a way no film had before.
The original film, written by David S. Goyer and directed by Stephen Norrington, was a surprise hit, grossing over $130 million on a $45 million budget. It also redefined public perception of Marvel characters, showing that even relatively obscure figures from the Marvel canon could headline successful films.
Blade II (2002), directed by Guillermo del Toro, and Blade: Trinity (2004), written and directed by Goyer himself, continued the saga. Though Trinity was plagued by on-set tension between Snipes and the production team, the trilogy had already cemented Blade as a cultural and cinematic icon.
In retrospect, Blade laid foundational groundwork for what would become the MCU, even if it’s rarely given the credit it deserves. Goyer’s dark, genre-blending scripts gave the character—and Marvel Studios—a cinematic edge that would influence superhero filmmaking for decades.
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Marvel’s Reboot Struggles: A Timeline of Delays and Issues
The announcement of Mahershala Ali taking on the titular role of Blade at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019 was met with thunderous applause. Ali, a two-time Academy Award winner (Moonlight, Green Book), brought instant prestige to the project. Fans were hopeful. However, in the years since, the reboot has been stuck in what seems like an endless cycle of development woes.
Timeline of Trouble:
2019: Blade reboot officially announced. Ali attached to star. No director or writer confirmed at this point.
2021: Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli) hired to direct. Stacy Osei-Kuffour tapped to write the script.
2022: Tariq exits due to “scheduling conflicts,” though rumors suggest creative differences. Script undergoes rewrites.
2023-2024: Multiple rewrites occur. Nic Pizzolatto (True Detective) signs on to write a new draft, but eventually parts ways. Yann Demange becomes attached to direct.
2024: Marvel delays the film’s release date again. Reports of creative indecision, conflicting tones, and Ali’s frustration surface.
2025: The project remains in pre-production. No confirmed start date for filming.
The continuous turnover of writers and directors has left fans bewildered. Given Marvel’s proven track record of managing a tightly interconnected cinematic universe, why can’t they figure Blade out?
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David S. Goyer’s Frustration: A Call to Action
David S. Goyer, who has since become a veteran of superhero and genre storytelling (Batman Begins, Man of Steel, Foundation), recently expressed concern over the stagnation of the reboot.
In an interview with The Playlist, Goyer stated:
> “I don’t understand why this is so hard. You’ve got an iconic character, you’ve got Mahershala Ali—one of the best actors alive—and you’ve got decades of source material. What in the world is going on? Why is it taking so long?”
He went further, saying:
> “If Marvel picks up the phone, I’m there. Let’s get this made. I owe Blade that much. Wesley carried it on his back. Mahershala deserves his shot, and the fans deserve better.”
Goyer’s comments have ignited discussions across social media, with many calling for Marvel to bring him on as either a writer or consultant. His deep understanding of the character, combined with his experience navigating dark superhero stories, makes him a natural candidate to help steer the ship.
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The Mahershala Ali Factor
Mahershala Ali is not just an actor-for-hire; he’s also an executive producer on the project. His involvement is deeply personal. He reportedly pursued the role after seeing the impact the original Blade had on the culture and the genre.
However, reports in late 2024 suggested that Ali was growing frustrated with the pace and creative direction of the reboot. One insider told Variety that Ali was “close to walking away” unless the script and vision were finalized soon.
Ali’s casting was a coup for Marvel. Losing him would be catastrophic to the project’s credibility and momentum. It’s another reason Goyer’s public willingness to return is so important. A stable, experienced hand at the wheel could be just what’s needed to restore confidence in the reboot.
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What’s Holding Marvel Back?
Several factors may explain why the Blade reboot has faltered:
1. Tone Dissonance: Blade is darker and more violent than most MCU fare. Marvel has yet to fully commit to an R-rated feature within the core MCU timeline. While Deadpool 3 is breaking that barrier, Blade has lacked the same tonal clarity.
2. Creative Overreach: Marvel’s infamous “interconnected universe” has often required filmmakers to shape individual stories to serve broader narratives. This can stifle unique visions. Goyer himself hinted that Blade needs to stand alone, like the original trilogy did.
3. Vampires in the MCU?: Integrating vampires and supernatural lore into the grounded science-fantasy of the MCU presents narrative challenges. Marvel appears uncertain about how Blade fits into the multiversal saga currently unfolding.
4. Post-‘Endgame’ Identity Crisis: Marvel is struggling to find its next narrative anchor. With Blade, they may be overthinking a simple formula. The first Blade succeeded because it didn’t try to be a world-builder—it just told a cool, visceral story.
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How Goyer Could Save ‘Blade’ Again
David S. Goyer’s vision for Blade worked once—and it could work again. His approach to the original trilogy was grounded in mythos, horror, and stylized violence, with characters steeped in pain and moral ambiguity. That DNA is sorely missing from today’s over-quippy, CGI-heavy superhero landscape.
Goyer’s strengths:
Understanding of the Character: Goyer’s original script defined Blade as stoic, brooding, and complex. He didn’t need to be a joke machine; he just needed to be a warrior.
Genre Mastery: Goyer knows how to merge genres—horror, action, and fantasy—without losing emotional gravitas.
Respect for Lore: His commitment to vampire mythology gave Blade a sense of authenticity. A reboot under Goyer’s guidance could blend comic canon with cinematic storytelling seamlessly.
Industry Experience: With over 25 years in Hollywood, Goyer knows how to deliver a script on time, work with actors, and balance studio demands.
If Marvel is serious about getting Blade made—and made well—they’d be wise to at least consult Goyer. His return wouldn’t be nostalgia for its own sake—it would be a course correction rooted in proven storytelling.
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The Fans Still Want ‘Blade’
Despite the delays, interest in Blade remains high. Fans have campaigned online using hashtags like #ReleaseBlade and #BringBackGoyer. Mahershala Ali’s casting alone is enough to keep anticipation alive, and many believe a properly executed Blade could rejuvenate Marvel’s creative energy.
Goyer’s vocal support has also reignited excitement. Some fans are even calling for a return of Wesley Snipes in a mentor role, perhaps as an alternate-universe Blade or as Whistler, his longtime mentor. While that’s speculative, it speaks to the love and passion that still exists for the character and the original films.
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Conclusion: Time to Drive a Stake Through the Delays
The Blade reboot should have been a slam dunk. With a legendary actor, a built-in fanbase, and years of success in the superhero genre, Marvel had all the ingredients for another iconic franchise. Yet here we are, nearly six years after its announcement, still without a final script, filming date, or clear direction.
David S. Goyer’s recent remarks offer Marvel a lifeline. By bringing back the writer who helped launch the character into cinematic glory, Marvel could finally get Blade off the ground. The question is: Will they listen?
Because fans are running out of patience. And as Goyer rightly asked—what in the world is going on?
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