Marvel's blade reboot with mahershala ali stalls, kevin feige calls it a 'gigantic loser and failure'

Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has publicly lamented the studio's failed attempts to reboot the Blade franchise with Mahershala Ali, calling it a 'gigantic loser and failure'. The project, which was announced in 2019 with Ali set to star as a new version of the vampire hunter previously portrayed by Wesley Snipes, appears to be dead in the water.

Script issues derail production

Feige acknowledged that the script for the film went through 'three or four' different incarnations, including two period pieces. However, he stated that the studio didn't feel confident they could make a great film based on the script alone, and didn't want to keep Ali or themselves invested in a doomed project.

Mia Goth, who was reportedly in talks for the film, recalled doing a chemistry test with Ali and getting fitted for a wig, before the project ultimately fell apart. Fans know that a full wardrobe of clothes was made for the film's supporting artists, which were ultimately sold off and used in another period vampire movie, Ryan Coogler's acclaimed Sinners.

Wesley Snipes, who originated the role of Blade, has poked fun at the stalled film, saying the project was 'kind of rough' and joking that 'daywalkers make it look easy'. David S. Goyer, who wrote and directed the original Blade trilogy, expressed confusion over the delay, saying he's been 'totally puzzled' about what's taking so long.

In the meantime, the Marvel's Blade video game, which is in development at Microsoft-owned studio Arkane Lyon, remains a question mark following sweeping layoffs across Xbox.