It’s been a rough few weeks for the production of Blade. Earlier this month, director Bassim Tariq exited the project, with reports suggesting trouble with the script and unhappiness from star Mahershala Ali. In addition, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel is reportedly shutting down pre-production on the project currently taking place in Atlanta. Blade was initially set to begin filming in November, however, the timetable for the entire project is delayed as the studio seeks a new director.

According to the report, Marvel is hoping to restart the production sometime in 2023, meaning it’s doubtful that Blade will make it to its original Nov 3, 2023, release date. “They want to really get it right,” one source tells THR, as the film is one of the most highly anticipated movies in the MCU catalog going forward. After Tariq left the film, Marvel conducted a broad search for a new director and simultaneously went over other aspects of the movie that may not have been working. So while many believed a new director would quickly be announced, it may be some time before we find out who helms the project.

Beau DeMayo, whose previous work includes Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Witcher, and Moon Knight, has signed on to write and rework aspects of the script. DeMayo is making a name for himself at Marvel Studios, as he has also found himself writing for X-Men ‘97. Unfortunately, it seems a lengthy delay for Blade is imminent, and audiences likely won’t be seeing the beloved vampire hunter until sometime in 2024.

Mahershala Ali Has Reportedly Been Frustrated With the Blade Process

     Marvel Studios

Following Tariq’s exit from Blade, reports began to surface, citing the behind-the-scenes frustration from leading man Mahershala Ali. According to Jeff Sneider, an industry insider, the script was only 90 pages long, with two “lackluster” action sequences. Additionally, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige was believed to be too busy with other projects to help with Blade, leading to the less-than-desirable script. Sneider weighed in on the THR director report, stating one “industry notable thinks Ali should drop out,” with hopes of being Magneto in a new X-Men film.

Losing Mahershala Ali would be a massive blow to Blade, although there’s no concrete evidence to support the rumors. The actor, who has 2 Oscar wins for Green Book, and Moonlight is considered the perfect casting for the vampire hunter role. Ali would be taking over from Wesley Snipes, who previously portrayed the character in a trilogy released in the early 2000s. For now, fans will have to wait for news regarding a new director and hope Ali continues with the project despite the messy start of production.