Marvel Studios’ Blade has lost its second director. In September 2022, Bassam Tariq departed the MCU project due to scheduling conflicts. That same year, in November, Marvel chose popular French director Yann Demange to helm the movie. Now, Demange has also exited the project. The highly anticipated Mahershala Ali starrer has also undergone multiple changes in its writing department and release window since its official announcement at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con event. Normally, scenarios like these don’t sound good to the fans. It’s time for Marvel Studios to hand the project to Chad Stahelski, best known for helming the John Wick series, starring Keanu Reeves.
Despite Mahershala Ali’s commitment, Blade’s future hangs in the balance without a director at the helm. This scenario presents a perfect opportunity for Marvel Studios to collaborate with Chad Stahelski. In a 2022 interview with ComicBook, the John Wick director expressed his interest in helming an MCU project. Interestingly, Blade was his answer, and he even mentioned having talks with Kevin Feige about it. However, Stahelski later admitted he wasn’t the right fit for the movie.
Now, the situation has changed drastically. Disney and Marvel have started greenlighting R-rated projects now. Disney+ series Echo serves as the best example here. And we all know that Shawn Levy’s Deadpool & Wolverine is brimmed with plenty of blood, violence, and gore. Plus, Blade will be R-rated as well. This shift opens the door for Chad Stahelski to direct the Mahershala Ali starrer.
Blade doesn’t need to share its ties with the Multiverse. Instead, it must have a simple premise, like the previous Blade movies, which had Wesley Snipes as the vampire protagonist. We all know Blade is a half-vampire and half-human who likes hunting and slaying other evil vampires. The original 1998 movie successfully pulled off this premise. Stahelski can opt for a similar approach for Blade. Just like the first John Wick movie, a simple premise can be incredibly effective. Stahelski’s ability to craft action-packed films from straightforward narratives is evident throughout the John Wick franchise.
Mahershala Ali’s Blade is set to arrive in theatres worldwide on November 7, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.