screenshot-2021.03.12-00_57_48.jpg
Blade creator Marv Wolfman seems to hint in a new post that the Mahershala Ali-led film will release in 2022. Wesley Snipes initially popularized the character of Blade with a trio of films that debuted two decades ago, but since then the property has laid dormant. In a surprise move, Marvel announced all the way back in the summer of 2019 that they were rebooting the iconic vampire hunter for the MCU with Ali attached to star. Since then, though, development on the film has remained slow.
It was recently announced that Watchmen screenwriter Stacy Osei-Kuffour would be writing the film, but no other talent has been attached to the film. Rumors recently swirled that production on Blade would begin sometime in the fall of 2021, stoking speculation that the film was much further along than initially thought. This speculation was only furthered by Wolfman's recent comments.
In a Facebook post by Wolfman expressing his excitement for the upcoming Zack Snyder's Justice League and the appearance of characters in that film like Deathstroke and Cyborg, the comic book writer seemed to hint Blade will be released sometime next year. Wolfman professes his thankfulness for his characters' screen adaptations before dropping this nugget of information: "Next week Justice League. Next year Blade. And I know there are others, too." Wolfman did not elaborate any further, but check out his full post below:
screenshot-2021.03.12-00_59_28.jpg
Considering the rumors of Blade filming this year, a 2022 release makes sense. Although information on the film is scarce, including who could be directing the film or even starring alongside Ali, it seems that Marvel may have these things figured out, they just haven't announced them yet. With Ali attached to star, though, it certainly seems like the studio would attract some major star-power for directing duties and to round out the cast. These details will also give fans an idea of where the studio could be taking the character.
One thing to consider, though, is Marvel's crowded schedule. Fans have known for a while that the MCU's Phase 4 will be its biggest yet and the studio is set to release four films in 2022 already. The year will begin with the Doctor Strange and Thor sequels before capping off with the Black Panther and Captain Marvel follow-ups. The studio will also release several highly anticipated shows next year, including Moon Knight and She-Hulk. Fans thought that 2021 would be a big year for Marvel, but with 2022 featuring the possible arrival of Blade amidst the many other shows and movies, the studio could certainly outdo themselves next year.