Blade is once again in search of new talent behind the camera. Filmmaker Yann Demange has exited the long-gestating project, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The departure is described as amicable and happened some time ago. It’s the latest in a number of creative challenges for the project, which Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige announced to fanfare at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019 when he surprised the crowd by bringing out star Mahershala Ali, and presenting him with a Blade cap.
Blade was preparing to go into production in the fall of 2022 when director Bassam Tariq exited over creative differences. Then, sources say, Ali handpicked Lovecraft Country helmer Demange to direct, but months later it became one of the major features delayed by the writers strike in May 2023. As of yet, it never made it to production.
Ali remains attached to star in the project, and the studio is not looking to rush the film. Marvel mainstay Eric Pearson is working on the latest draft of the project, which has a release date of Nov. 7, 2025. The Blade news also comes as Marvel recalibrates its output and expects to have more breathing room as it releases around two films a year, following pressures to ramp up film and TV content in the early 2020s.
Ali’s Blade made a voice cameo in a post-credits scene for Eternals that also featured Kit Harington, who played Dane Whitman in the film. Ali is the second actor to topline a Blade film. Wesley Snipes starred in a trilogy in the 2000s.
Blade debuted in The Tomb of Dracula No. 10 and was created by Writer Marv Wolfman and artist Gene Coleman as a half-vampire who hunts vampires to avenge the death of his mother, who was killed by a vampire as she gave birth to him.
Marvel next has Deadpool & Wolverine, due out July 26, and will follow it up with Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts* and Fantastic Four.
The Wrap first reported the news.
