Wesley Snipes Reacts To Mahershala Ali Being Cast As ‘Blade’ In Reboot 

Wesley Snipes Reacts To Mahershala Ali Being Cast As ‘Blade’ In Reboot 

Actor Wesley Snipes released a statement on Tuesday following Marvel’s announcement of casting Oscar winning actor, Mahershala Ali as the new ‘Blade.’ Since making the character a household name in the 90s, Snipes has been a champion to bring back the half-human, half-vampire. During the announcement over the weekend, Ali was present as he was given a hero’s welcome revealing the news by wearing a “Blade” hat.

Mahershala Ali will officially play #Blade in the MCU! pic.twitter.com/0GQLOUtsXb

— Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) July 21, 2019

In a statement, the former ‘Blade’ star congratulated Ali while also addressing fans who took the casting as a slap in the face to Snipes. Snipes says,

“To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx. Although the news comes as a surprise, it’s ALL good. Such is the ‘business’ of ‘entertainment!’ Much peace to the MCU crew – always a fan.”

He continued,

“Honor and respect to the grandmaster Stan. Congratulations and Salaam to Mahershala Ali, a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come. Inshallah, we will someday work together. Most importantly to my loyal fans, the incredible outpouring of love is overwhelming. I am grateful for the never-ending support. So, ‘nah fret nah worry, it’s not de end of de story.’ Welcome to the Daywalker Klique.”

Not only did  Snipes take on the original ‘Blade’ in 1998, he later went on to reprise the role again in 2002 and 2004. The series grossed over $200 million at the box office, and considered to be the spark of the modern comic book movie era.

Ali responded on social media as well.

What are your thoughts on Wesley’s statement? Let us know in the comments!