Olivia Reed
Despite the controversy surrounding the Blade movie, it appears to have found a new director and continues to be a significant part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Who’s taking the helm as the new Blade director?
World of Reel recently reported that Jeymes Samuel has been in talks with Marvel Studios for the directorial role. Although no official announcement has been made, Samuel seems to have made a positive impression on Marvel, hinting at a possible collaboration.
Contrary to the circulating rumors about Blade’s cancellation, World of Reel assures that Marvel Studios has never considered such a move. The report emphasizes that the film remains a “major priority” for Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige.
The journey to find Blade’s director has been a long and winding one. Before Samuel’s speculated involvement, Bassam Tariq was slated to direct the movie. However, Tariq exited the project in 2022, and his replacement, Yann Demange, also left. The film is expected to feature Mahershala Ali and Mia Goth, with Goth rumored to portray the character of Lilith.
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Originally scheduled for November 3, 2023, Blade’s release was postponed to September 6, 2024. Currently, the film is without a release date, but World of Reel suggests that Marvel might be considering a November 1, 2024 start date for production.
Samuel, also known as The Bullitts, made his directorial debut in 2021 with the Netflix Western, The Harder They Fall, which earned him a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer. In 2023, Samuel wrote and directed The Book of Clarence, featuring LaKeith Stanfield.
Wesley Snipes was the first to bring the Daywalker to life in the New Line Cinema Blade trilogy from the late ’90s to early 2000s. Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones then took over the role in the 2006 Spike TV series. Most recently, Michael Jai White lent his voice to the character in the 2022 video game, Marvel’s Midnight Suns.
