Blade saw one of the biggest issues in Marvel Studios’ history as it lost its writer and director. When Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli) left, and Beau DeMayo (The Witcher) was left to rewrite the script, things were looking bleak. After taking its time, as reports have stated that the studio wants to get this one right as the legacy of Wesley Snipes as the character hangs over it, a new helmer and scribe had been found with Yann Demange (Lovecraft Country) directing and Michael Starrbury (When They See Us) to pen the new script.
The initial Blade director left in September due to creative differences. It was quite the shocker as the film was set to hit production in November in Atlanta. Now, we are back on track with a release date of September 6, 2024, for the vampire superhero movie.
Marvel finds new director and writer for Blade with horror influences
The horror side of the MCU has been growing with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Werewolf By Night, building up the supernatural corner of the franchise. Demange seems like the right man for the job. The studio has been known for taking big and small filmmakers across its projects. While he may not have a big name like Sam Raimi, who helmed the second Doctor Strange, he has experience in the horror genre, which is needed for a vampire thriller. He served as an executive producer on HBO’s Lovecraft Country and directed the pilot. He also helmed all five episodes of the limited series Dead Set, a series about a zombie outbreak during the filming of Big Brother.
With a new director for Blade, things will hopefully be smoothed out. With serious star power as Mahershala Ali takes on the sword and sunglasses to face bloodsucking creatures, it shows its promise. He will star with Delroy Lindo (Da 5 Bloods) and Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad). No details are known about the new story, although fans surely can come up with theories as Ali made his debut with his voice in an after-credit scene in Eternals.
