Good news, Daywalker fans! Actress Mia Goth just dropped an optimistic update on Marvel's long-awaited Blade reboot, assuring us she's still attached and that the extensive delays are actually "for the best."

TL;DR
  • Mia Goth, rumored to play Lilith, confirms her involvement in Marvel's Blade movie and supports the production delays.
  • The film, starring Mahershala Ali, has gone through multiple script rewrites and director changes since its 2019 announcement.
  • Marvel has decided on a modern-day setting for Blade, but there's no new release date, meaning it's still likely years away.

Mia Goth’s Optimistic Take on the Long Journey to the Big Screen

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We know, we know. It feels like we've been waiting for Marvel's Blade movie starring Mahershala Ali forever. Announced way back in 2019 at San Diego Comic-Con, the project has been on a truly wild ride through development hell. But fear not, because one of its key stars, Mia Goth, is here with a much-needed dose of optimism.

Speaking to Elle magazine recently while promoting Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, Goth didn't just confirm she's still attached to the project – she also offered a surprisingly positive spin on all the delays. According to her, the long wait might actually be a good thing.

"It's for the best that it's taken the time that it has," Goth said. "They want to do it right."

— Mia Goth, speaking to Elle magazine

This isn't the first time Goth has expressed confidence in the team. She shared similar sentiments in June 2024 with Deadline, noting that the people behind Blade "really care" and "want to make a great movie." Hearing that kind of dedication from an actor like Goth, known for her intense and thoughtful performances in films like MaXXXine and Infinity Pool, is definitely a ray of light for fans.

The Rocky Road of Marvel's Vampire Hunter Reboot

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To say Blade has had a bumpy ride would be an understatement. Since Mahershala Ali donned that iconic hat in 2019, the film has faced numerous setbacks. It’s gone through at least six writers and three directors!

Here’s a quick rundown of the creative shake-ups:

  • Writers: Michael Green, Stacy Osei-Kuffour, Michael Starrbury, Beau DeMayo, Nic Pizzolatto, and currently, Eric Pearson. That's a lot of different visions trying to find the perfect take on the Daywalker.
  • Directors: Bassam Tariq was initially hired but departed in September 2022. Yann Demange, his replacement, also stepped down in June 2024. There were even rumors of Cary Fukunaga being in the mix at one point.
  • Creative Pivots: The original concept for Blade was reportedly a period piece set in the 1920s. This idea got far enough along that costumes were actually created for supporting artists. However, that version was scrapped, and those very costumes ended up being sold to the production of Ryan Coogler's vampire film, Sinners. Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige even joked about it, confirming the change was part of the process of getting the script "right."

The current plan, as confirmed by Feige, is for the film to be set in the modern day. This is a significant shift from the early 20th-century concept, indicating a complete retooling of the story and potentially even the tone.

Mahershala Ali's Quest for a "Black Panther" Moment

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Mahershala Ali, an Oscar-winning actor, reportedly wanted his Blade to be a truly "seismic and culture-defining genre picture," akin to Black Panther. You can't blame him for aiming high! However, the constant creative limbo has reportedly left him "increasingly frustrated." Imagine being an actor of his caliber, waiting half a decade to finally sink your teeth into a role.

Beyond the leading man, other cast members have come and gone. Delroy Lindo and Aaron Pierre were both previously attached to the film but have since exited the project. As of now, Mahershala Ali and Mia Goth are the only two actors officially confirmed to be still involved.

Kevin Feige on Why Marvel Isn't Rushing Blade's Production

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Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has been quite open about the challenges facing Blade. He acknowledged that the script had gone through "three or four" different incarnations, two of which were period pieces. His reasoning for the delays echoes Mia Goth's sentiment about getting it right.

"We didn't feel like, as we often do, you can have a good script and make it a great script through production," Feige explained. "We didn't feel confident that we could do that on Blade, and we didn't want to do that to Mahershala and didn't want to do that to us."

— Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios

This candidness from Feige indicates Marvel's commitment to quality over speed, especially after some recent MCU projects haven't quite hit the mark with fans. They want to ensure that when Blade finally arrives, it lives up to the hype and the potential of Mahershala Ali's portrayal.

Where Does Blade Fit in the Larger Marvel Cinematic Universe?

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While the live-action film has been stalled, Blade has made a couple of appearances in the broader Marvel universe.

  • Voice Cameo in Eternals: Mahershala Ali's Blade first entered the MCU with an offscreen voice cameo in a post-credits scene for 2021's Eternals, addressing Kit Harington's Dane Whitman (aka Black Knight). It was a tantalizing hint of things to come, but we've been waiting for the "come" ever since.
  • Marvel Zombies Animated Series: Interestingly, an alternate universe version of Blade recently appeared in the animated Disney+ miniseries Marvel Zombies. However, this version was voiced by Todd Williams, not Mahershala Ali, and was developed "believing that there would be a Blade movie out well before," as Marvel TV boss Brad Winderbaum revealed. This shows how much the live-action film's schedule has impacted other projects.

With the Multiverse Saga currently building towards massive blockbusters like Avengers: Doomsday (due December next year) and Avengers: Secret Wars (December 2027), and an X-Men reboot also on Marvel's radar, Blade has been pushed further down the timeline. It was removed from its November 2025 slot in October 2024, and fans don't expect to see it for several more years, potentially not until Phase 7 at the very earliest.

The Original Daywalker: Wesley Snipes' Enduring Legacy Mia Goth Confirms Blade is Still Happening: Why Delays Are Good image 8

It's hard to talk about Blade without acknowledging the original cinematic Daywalker, Wesley Snipes. His 1998 film, followed by its sequels, was instrumental in proving that Marvel characters could be successful on the big screen long before the MCU even existed. Snipes recently delighted fans with a cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine, where he famously quipped, "There's only been one Blade, there's only ever gonna be one Blade."

This line, delivered with Snipes' signature cool, highlights the high bar set for Mahershala Ali's iteration. The new film not only has to introduce Blade to a new generation but also contend with the beloved legacy of its predecessor. Maybe the extensive delays are genuinely about finding a fresh, compelling angle that honors the past while blazing a new trail. An R-rating has been rumored, which would certainly lean into the character's darker, more mature comic book roots.

Mia Goth's Star Power Continues to Rise Mia Goth Confirms Blade is Still Happening: Why Delays Are Good image 9

As Blade remains in development limbo, Mia Goth's career is skyrocketing. She's set to appear in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey next year and will join the Star Wars universe in Ryan Gosling-starring Star Wars: Starfighter in 2027. Her growing fame and demand in other major franchises only add a sense of urgency for Marvel to finally get Blade off the ground. It wouldn't be the first time a star's schedule and rising profile complicated a long-delayed project.

The Hope for a Worthwhile Marvel Cinematic Universe Blade

So, where does that leave us? With no official release date and a history of creative hurdles, the future of Marvel's Blade might still feel a bit hazy. However, Mia Goth's recent comments, combined with Kevin Feige's assurances, suggest that the project isn't dead—it's just taking its sweet, sweet time. Marvel seems determined to deliver a high-quality, impactful film that truly does justice to the character and Mahershala Ali's talent. Let's hope all this waiting truly is "for the best" and that when the Daywalker finally steps out of the shadows, it's worth every single moment.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Marvel's Blade Answered

Is Marvel's Blade movie still happening?

Yes, according to actress Mia Goth and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, the Blade movie is still in development, though it has no firm release date.

Who is playing Blade in the MCU?

Mahershala Ali is confirmed to play the titular role of Blade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

What's Mia Goth's rumored role in the Blade movie?

Mia Goth is rumored to be playing the vampire villain Lilith, who, in an earlier script version, was hunting the blood of Blade's daughter.

When will the Blade movie be released?

Marvel Studios has not set a new release date for Blade. It was removed from its previous November 2025 slot and is now expected to be released much later, potentially in Phase 7 or beyond. Sources
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