Wesley Snipes reacts to Marvel Studios’ reboot of Blade with Mahershala Ali

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Marvel Studios' panel at San Diego Comic-Con came with plenty of surprises, but the one which got me was the announcement of a BLADE reboot which would star Mahershala Ali (True Detective), making the vampire hunter an official part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Wesley Snipes famously played the character in BLADE, BLADE II, and BLADE TRINITY, and his portrayal of the half-human/half-vampire is still beloved by fans, so it's only natural that some were upset when it became clear that he wouldn't be reprising the role.

Wesley Snipes has responded to the new BLADE announcement and seems to be taking it in good stride, telling ComicBook.com in a statement that fans need to "chillaaxx."

To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx. Although the news comes as a surprise, it’s ALL GOOD. Such is the ‘business’ of ‘entertainment!’ Much peace to the MCU crew – always a fan. Honor and respect to the grandmaster Stan. Congratulations and Salaam to Mahershala Ali, a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come. Inshallah, we will someday work together. Most importantly to my loyal fans, the incredible outpouring of love is overwhelming. I am grateful for the never-ending support. So, ‘nah fret nah worry, it’s not de end of de story.’ Welcome to the Daywalker Klique.

As Wesley Snipes had been having conversations with Marvel about a return to the character back in 2015, audiences took that as a sign that Snipes reprising the role was a real possibility. I was certainly a fan of that idea, particularly as BLADE TRINITY failed to live up to the first two films, but if a reboot has to be made, Marvel definitely hit the jackpot with Mahershala Ali. Who knows, there still could be a role for Snipes in the reboot after all; Whistler perhaps?

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said that Mahershala Ali contacted Marvel soon after winning the Academy Award for GREEN BOOK and had asked what was happening with BLADE and that he wanted to play him within 10 minutes. It may be a little while before we see BLADE back in action however as Feige also said that the film won't be a part of Marvel's Phase 4, likely pushing it to Phase 5