The Marvel Cinematic Universe may be riding on a high thanks to the critical and early financial success ofThunderbolts*(The New Avengers), but one title that seems to be giving them some stress isBlade. Mahershala Ali was announced to be taking on the titular role at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, and since the reveal of that big news, the film has beendelayed indefinitelydue to script rewrites and director changes. Given the fact that the film has continued to stall, fans aren’t optimistic that the movie will come to fruition, but someone from Blade’s past would like a crack at getting the project on track. David S. Goyer, who penned the originalBladetrilogy, has entered the chat, and it sounds like he’d like a chance to get the daywalker back on the big screen.
During a chat with ScreenRant, Goyer chimed in on theBladedebacle and admitted that he was just as confused as the fans regarding all the delays with the project. After jokingly saying that Marvel Studios should “Give me a call,” he goes on to reveal that he would be more than happy to write the MCU’s iteration ofBlade. Goyer said, “I would. I’ve always loved the character, and I love him, and I’ve been sitting on the sideline wondering, ‘What in the world is going on? Why is it taking so long? Because I’m a huge Marvel fan myself, and I’ve just been puzzled.”
What is David S. Goyer’s History With Blade?
David S. Goyer’s history withBladegoes back to the 1998 film that showcased how Marvel could be a viable presence on the big screen. Starring Wesley Snipes as the titular character,Bladereceived mixed reviews critically, but it was embraced by fans, grossing $70 million domestically and $131.2 million worldwide on a $45 million budget. Its importance continues to be significant today because it paved the way for other Marvel titles to hit the big screen, such asX-MenandSpider-Man.
Blade II, directed by Guillermo del Toro, was released in 2002, and Goyer returned once again to pen the script. While reviews were once again mixed, the movie was even more successful than its predecessor, grossing $80 million domestically and $155 million globally on a $54 million budget. Some fans have cited it to be even better than the original, and del Toro’s direction was heavily praised as being significant to that film’s success.
Blade’s MCU Delays & Production Issues Explained
Blade has encountered many production delays and while some fans might think it is simple, there is more than slaying vampires the MCU movie must do.
Goyer stepped in the director’s chair for 2004’sBlade: Trinity, while also serving up the film’s screenplay. The movie saw itsshare of issues during production, with reports that Snipes was upset with the script and that he caused numerous issues on set due to his behavior.Trinityproved to be the worst-reviewed of theBladetrilogy and saw its grosses come down from the second film, pulling in $52 million domestically and $132 million worldwide on a $65 million budget.
All of that sounds like child’s play, given the start and stop news associated with the MCU’sBlade. According to reports,several scripts have been writtenby different writers, and they haven’t managed to get the project right. One take was reportedly a period piece set in the 1920s, while other scripts may have featured characters that are no longer in the film. Delroy Lindo, who was originally cast,left the projectover these issues, and who knows if Mia Goth is still attached in some capacity? At this point, maybe Marvel Studios should consult with Goyer since it’s an avenue they haven’t explored that could possibly work.
Source:ScreenRant
