Mahershala Ali Will Be The Next ‘Blade’ In Reboot

Mahershala Ali Will Be The Next ‘Blade’ In Reboot

During the Comic-Con presentation at Marvel’s San Diego Hall H studio over the weekend, the studio made a host of super announcements for their next next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One notable announcement included two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali to take on the role for the reboot of Blade. 

Ali was on hand for the announcement and given a hero’s welcome as he revealed 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

The original Blade, played by actor, Wesley Snipes in 1998, went under the direction of Stephen Norrington. Wesley took on the role of the half-human, half-vampire and hunts down the undead. He 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.

In 2018, Snipes spoke about bringing back Blade,

“I am very much open to all of the possibilities. If Blade 4 comes along, that is a conversation we can have. And there are other characters in the Marvel universe that, if they want to invite me to play around with, I am with that too. I think the fans have a hunger for me to revision the Blade character, so that could limit where they could place me as another character in that universe.”

As previously reported, Ali was nominated for Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie “True Detective” for his portrayal as Wayne Hays.

Ali acceptance his second Academy Award for his role as a supporting actor, portraying Dr. Don Shirley in “Green Book” in February. During his acceptance speech, Ali spoke about his grandmother’s encouragement to never give up.

“I want to dedicate this to my grandmother, who has been in my ear my entire life, telling me that if at first I don’t succeed, try, try again.”

Ali said his grandmother constantly offered encouragement by telling him:

“I could do anything I put my mind to, and always, always pushing me to think positively. I know that I would not be here, that she has gotten me over the hump every step of the way.”

What are your thoughts on Mahershala Ali playing the role of Blade? Let us know in the comments!