MCU’s Long-Delayed Vampire Reboot Still Alive, Could Finally Arrive in 2028

Marvel Studios’ Blade reboot, featuring Mahershala Ali as the vampire hunter, remains in active development despite years of challenges, according to the most recent report. The project, aiming for a possible 2028 release, has faced numerous setbacks since its announcement.

Back in July 2019, Marvel president Kevin Feige introduced Ali as Blade during San Diego Comic-Con, thrilling fans with the prospect of the Day-Walker’s return.

Ali, known for his role as Cottonmouth in Luke Cage, even voiced the character in the 2021 Eternals. However, the excitement has been tempered by repeated delays.

The project has seen a revolving door of talent. Directors Bassam Tariq and Yann Demange were attached at different points, but both have since left, with Demange reportedly exiting in March 2025 due to difficulties in collaboration.

Writers have also changed frequently, with Eric Pearson (Black Widow) and Michael Green currently working on the script as of mid-2024. Producers include Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Eric Carroll, and Tariq.

Rumors suggest Mahershala Ali has been frustrated, nearly leaving the project multiple times. Sources point to creative disagreements, including an earlier script draft that reportedly focused heavily on Blade’s daughter, sidelining the titular character.

That storyline is believed to have been abandoned. Other reports claim Ali envisioned Blade as a culturally significant film, akin to Black Panther for Chadwick Boseman, which may have clashed with Marvel’s direction.

The latest script updates indicate a return to Blade’s core mission: hunting vampires. The Ebony Blade, a mystical weapon in Marvel lore, is also expected to play a role. There’s talk of Blade tying into a potential Midnight Sons film, though its troubled production has left fans skeptical about its future.

Marvel halted development briefly in early 2025, removing Blade from its release schedule. No director is currently attached, and the studio has not shared official updates recently. Still, work continues, with hopes of bringing the iconic vampire slayer to theaters.

The Blade reboot’s struggles are disappointing, especially given Mahershala Ali’s talent and the character’s importance to Marvel fans; he is also not getting any younger.

The constant delays and creative shifts suggest Marvel is struggling to find the right vision, but a focused, action-packed vampire-hunting story could be exactly what this project needs.

I hope they can pull it together to deliver a film that honors Blade’s legacy. What do you think about the Blade reboot’s challenges? Are you still hopeful for its release? Share your thoughts in the comments below!