The Evolution of Blade: From Period Pieces to Modern-Day Reboot
After years of development and multiple iterations, Marvel has finally decided on the setting for its long-awaited Blade reboot. The film, which was first announced in 2019 and originally slated for a 2022 release, has faced numerous challenges over the years. Now, with the project moving forward, it's clear that the decision to set the story in the modern day was a pivotal one.
Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, recently spoke about the delays and the creative process behind Blade. He explained that the film had gone through "three or four" different versions before landing on the final concept. At one point, the story was even considered as a period piece, with one version set in the 1920s. This led to the creation of a large number of costumes, which were later repurposed for another project.
A Shift in Focus
Feige highlighted that the main reason for the delays was the need to ensure the film met a high standard of quality. “We didn’t want to simply put a leather outfit on him and have him start killing vampires. It had to be unique,” he said. This sentiment reflects Marvel’s broader shift in strategy, where the focus is now more on quality than quantity. After the success of Avengers: Endgame, the studio realized it had been prioritizing speed over substance.
“We didn’t feel confident that we could do that on Blade, and we didn’t want to do that to Mahershala [Ali] and didn’t want to do that to us,” Feige added. This decision to take more time ensured that the film would not just be good, but truly exceptional.
Costume Controversy and Collaboration
One of the most interesting developments in the Blade saga involves the reuse of period costumes. Earlier this month, Sev Ohanian, producer of the film Sinners, revealed that some of the costumes originally created for Blade were used in his project. This was made possible by the collaboration between Marvel and costume designer Ruth Carter, who worked on both films.
Ohanian shared that the process was seamless. “She happened to have a warehouse full of period-appropriate clothes, and it was like, ‘Yo, we got to shoot this movie like tomorrow.’ And Marvel was generous enough and kind enough to let us basically purchase it at price,” he said. Feige confirmed this exchange, noting that it was part of Marvel’s decision to refocus the Blade story on the modern day.
“We’ve landed on modern day,” Feige said. “Which is why we could give those costumes back to Ruth, and that’s what we’re focusing on.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Marvel?
Despite these developments, Blade’s release still seems distant. In the coming years, Marvel will be focused on other major projects, including Avengers: Doomsday, Avengers: Secret Wars, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. These films are expected to dominate the studio’s output, leaving less immediate attention for Blade.
There’s also speculation about the potential return of Wesley Snipes’ classic Blade character, last seen in Deadpool & Wolverine. With Feige’s recent comments about Secret Wars acting as a “reset” for the franchise, fans are wondering if this could be a way to introduce Mahershala Ali’s version of Blade. Could this be a sign that Marvel is planning to recast the X-Men, similar to how they have approached other characters?
As the Marvel universe continues to evolve, the future of Blade remains an exciting topic. With the decision to set the film in the modern day, it’s clear that the studio is taking a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to this iconic character. Whether this will lead to a successful reboot remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Marvel is committed to making sure this film is nothing short of extraordinary.
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