Blade: Unveiling Mahershala Ali's Marvel Hero Journey in MCU and Comics

Mahershala Ali will be stepping into the role of Eric Brooks, also known as Blade, in Marvel Studios' upcoming reboot. The iconic vampire hunter will be introduced into Phase 6 of the MCU. Despite facing challenges such as departures, delays, and rewrites, the development of Blade's first MCU feature film seems to be moving forward. The movie is scheduled for release on November 7, 2025, as part of Phase 6, but specific details about the project are still limited.

Blade holds a significant place in Marvel's history as one of the most beloved characters. The character was featured in Marvel's first successful film in 1998, portrayed by Wesley Snipes. However, the film rights for Blade returned to Marvel Studios in 2012, opening the door for new Blade stories to be told. Marvel Studios has been working on a Blade project for the MCU since 2013, with Mahershala Ali joining the cast after reaching out to the studio. Fans can look forward to seeing him make his debut in Phase 6.

Blade’s Marvel Comics Origin & History

Blade looking through blinds in Marvel Comics - Blade’s Marvel Comics Origin & History

Eric Cross Brooks, also known as Blade, was introduced in 1973 as a supporting character in The Tomb of Dracula #10. Due to his growing popularity, Blade soon starred in his own solo stories. Originally believed to be immune to vampire bites, it was later revealed that Blade is actually a dhampir, a human-vampire hybrid. Born in Soho, London in 1929, Blade inherited vampiric enzymes from his mother, Tara Vanessa Cross-Brooks, who was killed by a vampire during childbirth.

Growing up in a Soho brothel after his mother's death and his father's false imprisonment, Blade was taken in by Jamal Afari. Afari mentored Blade in combat skills and how to battle vampires after Blade saved him from an attack at the age of nine. Blade honed his athletic abilities, combat skills, and weapons proficiency, earning him the nickname Blade. Initially cocky, Blade took over the Bloodshadows group before refocusing on his mission as a vampire hunter after the group's downfall.

Blade's feud with his long-lasting enemy, Dracula, started when the latter killed Afari, which led to Blade having to mercy-kill his mentor and father figure. Blade has had multiple battles with Dracula over the years and has encountered other vampire hunters and their adversaries, including Rachel Van Helsing, Hannibal King, Morbius the Living Vampire, Daimon Hellstrom, and the powerful sorcerer Doctor Strange. Despite usually working alone, Blade has also been a part of various powerful and supernatural teams like the Nightstalkers, the Vanguard black-ops team, and the Midnight Sons. He eventually even joined the Avengers, solidifying his place as one of Marvel Comics' most prominent supernatural heroes.

Blade's Marvel Comics Superpowers & Skills Explained

Blade with a wooden stake in Marvel Comics - Blade's Marvel Comics Superpowers & Skills Explained

Eric Brooks, also known as Blade, has vampiric enzymes in his system because his mother was killed by Deacon Frost when he was born. This makes him immune to regular vampire bites. At first, Blade didn't have any special powers. But after being bitten by Morbius, a unique scientifically-altered vampire, Blade gained superhuman abilities. These include exceptional strength, speed, agility, stamina, and heightened senses. He also has a regenerative healing factor, which allows him to live longer, although he is not immortal. Unlike typical vampires, Blade is not affected by sunlight, earning him the nickname "Daywalker".

Blade, unlike typical vampires, showcases their strengths without succumbing to their weaknesses.

Brooks' training under Jamal Afari not only honed his skills in vampire lore, but also transformed him into a proficient martial artist and hand-to-hand combatant. He excelled in swordsmanship, marksmanship, and fighting, possessing extensive knowledge of all things supernatural in the Marvel Universe. In the 2014 Deadpool: Dracula's Gauntlet series, Blade and Deadpool find themselves besieged by monsters. Blade even hints at the possibility of possessing hidden vampiric powers, like the ability to transform into a bat. Despite his vampiric nature requiring blood for sustenance, Blade opts for a nourishing serum as a substitute to satisfy his bloodlust.

Marvel Studios’ Blade Will Release In The MCU Phase 6 Despite Behind-The-Scenes Challenges

Mahershala Ali in Blade MCU fan art - Marvel Studios’ Blade Will Release In The MCU Phase 6 Despite Behind-The-Scenes Challenges

Since its announcement at SDCC 2019, Marvel Studios' Blade has faced challenges during its production. In 2021, Stacy Osei-Kuffour and Bassam Tariq were hired as writer and director, with production scheduled from August to December 2022. However, in July 2022, Kevin Feige confirmed a release date of November 3, 2023, which was later postponed to September 6, 2024, due to Tariq's departure. Yann Demange, known for Top Boy and White Boy Rick, joined the project in November 2022.

Changes in the writing team have also been frequent. Beau DeMayo took over from Osei-Kuffour, who was then replaced by Michael Starrbury. Later, Nic Pizzolatto joined the team in April 2023. Following the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, Blade's release date was pushed back to February 14, 2025. After the strikes, Michael Green was brought in to rewrite the script completely. Despite the setbacks, Mahershala Ali remains optimistic, especially after Yann Demange confirmed Blade's R-rating. The project now seems to be moving forward towards its new release date on November 7, 2025.

How Could Blade Fit Into The MCU’s Multiverse Saga?

Kit Harrington's Dane Whitman considering picking up the Ebony Blade in Eternals - How Could Blade Fit Into The MCU’s Multiverse Saga?

Blade is set to be released as the second project in Phase 6 of the MCU, part of the Multiverse Saga. This might seem like an unusual choice for Mahershala Ali's debut, but Marvel Studios has been exploring different storylines, including the cosmic side, street-level tales, and the multiverse concept. Recently, supernatural and mystical heroes like Moon Knight, Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing, and Elsa Bloodstone have been introduced, making Ali's Blade a perfect fit.

Mahershala Ali also had a voice cameo in another project within the Multiverse Saga, warning Kit Harrington's Dane Whitman about the Ebony Blade in Eternals. It's uncertain if Harrington will appear in Blade, but there are already connections being established. There is growing speculation that Blade will join the Midnight Sons team in the MCU, possibly hinted at in Phase 6 before the team's formation in an Avengers project or the next Saga.

Editor's P/S:

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The upcoming Marvel Studios' Blade reboot holds great promise, with Mahershala Ali poised to bring the enigmatic vampire hunter to life. Despite facing production challenges, the film's development appears to be on track for its November 2025 release. The character's rich history in Marvel Comics, combined with Ali's exceptional talent, suggests that Blade will be a captivating addition to the MCU. The film's potential to explore supernatural themes and connect with the Multiverse Saga adds to the anticipation surrounding its arrival.

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The challenges faced by Marvel Studios' Blade serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in bringing beloved comic book characters to the big screen. However, the unwavering commitment of the cast and crew, along with the studio's dedication to quality, instills confidence that the film will live up to expectations. Blade's inclusion in the Multiverse Saga, alongside other supernatural heroes, hints at the expansion of the MCU's cosmic and mystical realms, further enriching the storytelling possibilities for fans.