The highly anticipated Blade (2025), starring Mahershala Ali as the iconic vampire hunter, has faced numerous production challenges. Initially announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, the film has experienced significant delays due to script rewrites, director changes, and other issues. Originally slated for a 2023 release, the film is now scheduled to debut on November 7, 2025.
The movie, part of Marvel’s Phase 6, is expected to reintroduce Blade into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Ali briefly voiced the character in a cameo during the post-credits scene of Eternals. The film will feature an impressive cast, including Mia Goth, though her role remains undisclosed. The story, likely to focus on Blade’s half-vampire nature, is still being developed and could feature a darker tone than many previous MCU entries. Fans are hoping it might get an R-rating due to its vampire-centric themes, a departure from the usual MCU family-friendly content.
The film’s budget is estimated at around $100 million, which is notably modest for a Marvel blockbuster but fitting for its intended horror tone and focus on character-driven narrative. Production has been troubled, with Ali reportedly expressing frustration with the script’s direction and even considering leaving the project at one point. To address these concerns, the script has undergone multiple rewrites, including contributions from Michael Green, co-writer of Logan, to steer it in the right direction.
Given its bumpy development, many fans are eagerly watching to see if Marvel can successfully reboot this beloved franchise while keeping Mahershala Ali onboard. Despite the setbacks, the excitement surrounding Ali’s portrayal and the potential for Blade’s MCU integration has kept fans hopeful for a strong release in 2025.