Mahershala Ali ducks Blade question but reaffirms: 'Call Marvel, I'm ready'

Mahershala Ali dodged questions about Blade but confirmed he's ready to play the role. Despite delays, Marvel insists the film is still on. Some Blade costumes were reused in Sinners.

Mahershala Ali

Asking Mahershala Ali about Blade is over for now. The Oscar winner avoided a question about his delayed Marvel project when appearing on Vogue's Off the Cuff with his Jurassic World Rebirth co-stars Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey.

Mahershala Ali jokes it off

Bailey polled the group on their Marvel film involvement. Ali said, "Leave me out of it," before laughing off the whole thing and adding, "That’s a Scarlett question." Johansson was, of course, Black Widow for more than ten MCU films. After bringing up Ali's Blade relaunch, Bailey smirked and said, "Well, there’s one that we’re very excited about." Reports indicate that he will soon join the franchise.

But Ali wasn't biting. The Marvel project has been in development since 2019, but it has experienced numerous creative changes, cast and crew shakeups, and postponements; as a result, the actor has remained silent on the subject. Nonetheless, Ali demonstrated at the Jurassic World Rebirth premiere in New York that he is still very much interested in playing the part.

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Mahershala Ali still eager to play vampire hunter

He advised Variety to contact Marvel by stating, "I’m ready. Let them know I’m ready."

The plot of Blade which revolves around a vampire hunter who is half human and half vampire, is currently undeveloped. At D23 Brazil in 2024, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige reaffirmed the company's commitment to the film, despite its tumultuous production history.

Feige earlier said, "We love the character. We love Mahershala’s take on him. And rest assured: whenever we change direction with a project or are still figuring out how it fits into our schedule, we let the audience know. You’re all up to date on what’s happening. But I can tell you that the character will indeed make it to the MCU."

Blade costumes find new life in Sinners

Meanwhile, parts intended for the upcoming Blade manufacture are already in use. Repurposed costumes for Ryan Coogler's Sinners were recently revealed by the film's producer, Sev Ohanian.

"Costume designer Ruth Carter was working on the Blade movie that ended up not shooting. At one point that movie was going to deal with the past around the same era as Sinners. She happened to have a warehouse full of period-appropriate clothes, and it was like, ‘Yo, we got to shoot this movie like tomorrow.’ And Marvel was generous enough and kind enough to let us basically purchase it at that price," Ohanian elaborated.

The production of Blade remains uncertain. However, Ali's willingness to take up the sword remains unwavering.

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