Some superhero movies die loudly. Blade faded out slowly over seven years, and now we’re finally hearing what Marvel’s boss wanted from it.
If you’ve followed the Daywalker’s long road, here’s the story, the timeline and what’s left. For more superhero news, check our Marvel and Hollywood updates.
What Kevin Feige Wanted?
Former Blade director Bassam Tariq spoke to The Wrap about working with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. He described Feige as someone who is always pushing things, but also very busy running Marvel’s entire slate, so they didn’t get much one-on-one time.
Even so, Tariq picked up on how focused Feige was on the audience. He started studying what Feige calls “cheer moments,” the scenes that make theaters erupt. The big lesson he took away: when people give up their time to watch a film, you should honor it.
Tariq said Marvel has done an impressive job of keeping a core audience, and he wants to learn how to do the same in his own career. It’s a thoughtful, positive take on a project that ultimately never got made.
Blade : Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Character | Eric Brooks, the half-vampire “Daywalker” |
| Star | Mahershala Ali |
| Announced | San Diego Comic-Con 2019 |
| Original release date | November 2023 |
| First MCU appearance | Post-credits scene of Eternals (2021) |
| Status | Shelved indefinitely (reported July 2026) |
| Director mentioned | Bassam Tariq (former) |
The Blade Timeline: A Seven-Year Saga
2019: The Announcement. Fans cheered when Ali was revealed as Blade at San Diego Comic-Con, and the character became one of the MCU’s most anticipated newcomers. You can read more about the actor on Wikipedia.
2021: The Tease. Ali’s only MCU appearance so far came in a post-credits scene in Eternals, where he was set up to meet Kit Harington’s Dane Whitman.
2023: The First Delay. The movie was originally slated for November 2023. Over the next few years it was delayed multiple times, and it went through directors and writers without ever moving toward production.
July 2026: The Shelving. Reports said the film was shelved indefinitely. Around the same time, Ali indicated he was no longer in place to play the role after seven years of waiting.
Will Blade Ever Return? The Possible Paths?
1. A solo Blade movie
This looks like a long shot. According to The Direct, no one is attached and there are no official plans to bring the character into live action. A solo film seems unlikely until at least after Avengers: Secret Wars, which is scheduled for December 2027.
2. Midnight Sons
This is the best remaining hope. A Midnight Sons movie is reportedly in development, though it hasn’t been officially confirmed for release. The team is associated with darker heroes, so Blade would be a natural fit. The open question is whether Ali would play the role or whether the character would be recast.
3. The wait-and-see option
With so little confirmed, fans may simply have to wait. Marvel often revisits characters years later, but nothing here is guaranteed.
Conclusion
It’s a bittersweet story. Feige’s focus on cheer moments shows how carefully Marvel thinks about audience reactions, yet Blade never got the chance to deliver one. For now, the Daywalker’s future rests on Midnight Sons and on what happens after Secret Wars. Until Marvel says otherwise, treat any return as a long shot.
FAQs
Q1. Is Marvel’s Blade movie cancelled?
It was reportedly shelved indefinitely as of July 2026, and The Direct describes a solo film as a long shot.
Q2. Will Mahershala Ali still play Blade?
Ali indicated he’s no longer in place for the role, so a future return is uncertain.
