On Sunday, Marvel blew up the universe with the bombs they dropped at the San Diego Comic-Con.
Announcing their most diverse lineup to date, including “Black Panther 2”, “Shang-Chi”, a deaf superhero (Makkari in “Eternals”), the first LBGTQ hero (Valkyrie) and a female Thor (“Thor: Love and Thunder”), Marvel had fans going nuts across the MCU. But the final announced really shut everything down, as Mahershala Ali coolly walked on stage and donned a hat, followed by the room going black and the long-awaited announcement finally became a reality.
There’s just one more thing… #SDCC pic.twitter.com/0Q3F4AZJLg
— Dustin Sandoval (@DustinMSandoval) July 21, 2019
Yes, Blade would finally return. The first Black Marvel superhero to have his own movie on the silver screen first hit theaters on August 21st, 1998. A little over two decades later, we’ve finally learned that Blade would be returning, only this time he would be portrayed by the Oscar-winning Ali, and not Wesley Snipes.
While everyone was gassed up that the Daywalker was returning, many wondered what happened to Snipes, the OG Blade.
Snipes finally spoke out, and issued a statement that was nothing but love.
“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,” said Snipes. “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.”
While fans of the original “Blade” trilogy are probably disappointed that Snipes won’t be reprising his iconic role, they have to be happy that their favorite vampire hunter will be returning.
Unfortunately, no release date was given for the film. Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige, said that Blade won’t be included in Phase 4, which takes place in 2020 and 2021, but did confirm that it would happen in Phase 5.
