Marvel Studios’ upcoming project, “Blade,” starring Mahershala Ali in the titular role, has hit another snag with the departure of actor Delroy Lindo. Lindo, initially slated to join Ali in the cast, is the latest in a series of exits that have plagued the film’s production, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Lindo’s departure follows a string of exits that include co-star Aaron Pierre, directors Yann Demange and Bassam Tariq, and several writers such as Nic Pizzolatto, Stavey Osei-Kuffour, Beau DeMayo, and Michael Starrbury. This exodus has left both Marvel and Blade fans disheartened, highlighting ongoing challenges behind the scenes.
Reportedly, “Blade” has struggled to maintain momentum due to creative uncertainties. Under director Yann Demange, production was scheduled to commence in May 2023, but was derailed by strikes from the Writers’ Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. Unlike other Marvel projects that halted and restarted amidst similar challenges, “Blade” opted to release most of its cast and undergo multiple script revisions.
Michael Green was brought on board in November, following Demange’s departure, while Eric Pearson, known for his work on Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” and “Fantastic Four,” took over scripting duties. The film’s narrative direction has shifted significantly: initial plans set the story in the 1920s, with Mia Goth cast as a vampire antagonist named Lilith pursuing Blade’s daughter’s blood. Despite the upheavals, Goth remains attached to the project. Director Bassam Tariq oversaw the construction of an elaborate train set for the film, now potentially repurposed for another Disney production, before his exit.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, who has a personal investment in the project dating back to his work on the 1998 Blade adaptation with Wesley Snipes, remains committed to its success. Despite substantial financial investments to date, Marvel is forging ahead with new script development and exploring directorial options to revitalize the project.
The challenges facing “Blade” underscore its significance within Marvel’s cinematic universe and its enduring quest to find the right creative direction amidst production setbacks.
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