Marvel"s Blade Change Risks Making MCU Phase 4"s New Problem Worse
Marvel's Blade reboot is constantly undergoing changes that threaten to make the Marvel Cinematic Universe's recent problems even worse. While little is yet known about Blade or its story, the film has quickly become infamous for its constant production delays and behind-the-scenes drama, which have resulted in its release date being pushed all the way back to late 2024, though future delays can't be ruled out. In the wake of the MCU's controversial Phase 4, which saw lower-than-average critical reviews and box office numbers for the franchise, the latest reported change to Blade threatens to perpetuate Marvel's biggest problems into Phase 5.
Marvel first announced its Blade reboot at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, with Mahershala Ali replacing Wesley Snipes as the titular Vampire Hunter. The film was included in Kevin Feige's announcements while revealing the MCU's slate for Phase 4 but was eventually revealed to be an entry in Phase 5. However, reports of behind-the-scenes issues were eventually confirmed when director Bassam Tariq left the project and was subsequently replaced by Lovecraft Country's Yann Demange. Around the same time, Blade dropped several months back in Marvel's slate, now set to release after Thunderbolts, which is the confirmed finale to Phase 5, suggesting that Ali's MCU debut will be part of Phase 6.