Marvel's Blade is getting a fang-tastic Phase Five reboot with Green Book's Mahershala Ali in the title role. And it's been announced (via Deadline) that director Bassam Tariq will be taking the helm. He's the man behind 2020's terrific Riz Ahmed drama Mogul Mowgli, about a British-Pakistani rapper who is tragically diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.
Mogul Mowgli was infused with equal parts rage, energy and compassion, qualities we can hope to see in the upcoming Blade movie. Two-time Oscar-winner Ali plays the daywalker, half-man half-vampire who is locked in eternal conflict with marauding bloodsuckers. Wesley Snipes played the character in the pre-Marvel Cinematic Universe movies from 1998, 2002 and 2004, and has given his blessing to Ali.
Deadline indicates that Marvel President Kevin Feige and Ali had been on the lookout for an independently-spirited director to helm the new Blade project. This is becoming something of a Marvel staple following the election of Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok), Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden (Captain Marvel) and others. This trend is set to continue with Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) helming the upcoming Eternals (released 5th November).
Marvel Studios has yet to comment on Tariq's appointment but it's understood that screenwriter Stacey Osei-Kuffour (HBO's Watchmen) will be adapting the legacy of the Marv Wolfman/Gene Colan comic book creation.
Blade's release date hasn't been set but stay tuned to the Cineworld blog for breaking Marvel Phase Five news.
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