Blade is the MCU's biggest risk yet, says director

Marvel's upcoming reboot of Blade will be an interesting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the Vampire Hunter was a popular superhero in the 90s, the rise of comic book movies has seen him drift into obscurity.

With Blade's plans to introduce the MCU to its more fantastical elements, like Vampires, it’s a big gamble for Marvel. Realistically, Blade is a risky project that aims to alienate some casual fans. However, like Guardians of the Galaxy, it could be a plan that pays off.

Blade director says its a “big swing”

In an interview cited by ComicBook, Blade director Bassam Tariq revealed his surprise that the movie’s being made. The director explained that he believes the protect is a massive “swing” for Marvel, but one that could be invaluable to the MCU.

He said:

“I didn’t think [‘Blade’] was going to happen, just to be very honest. I’m honored and it’s a privilege, but I’m here in service of Stacy Osei-Kuffour, who is the incredible writer that is writing the film…She’s just a phenomenal presence and a juggernaut in her own right. And for Mahershala [Ali]. For me, it’s really just working in their service.... [Marvel] takes big swings, you know? I can’t say anything about it, but I’m just so excited for what we’re doing.”

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Will hopefully outlast the comics

Blade’s popularity in comics has never really matched that of his movies. The Blade trilogy was a massive milestone for comic book films, but that never really translated to comics. Tariq is aware of the character’s awesome potential for books and film, and the director is hoping that the character will do well.

He explained:

“Character is very important for me. I don’t think of genre, I think of character,” he added. “It’s not so boxed in as people imagine it to be [working with Marvel Studios]. It’s quite exciting. And I think the reality is there is no ‘Blade’ canon, you know? If you ever read the comics, they’re always changing…Unfortunately, the [comic book series] never lasted that long.”

Blade does not currently have a release date set at the time of writing. While it is part of phase four, the specifics have been left vague.

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