Marvel Studios’ ‘Blade’ loses its director just weeks before it was set to begin shooting

Marvel Studios has announced that Bassam Tariq will no longer be involved in the upcoming film, Blade.

As shared by the Hollywood Reporter, Tariq’s departure was due to scheduling conflicts, which will impact the production schedule for the Marvel film. Luckily, not all hope is lost as Tariq released a statement saying that they were able to put together a cast and crew for the movie before he left the project. It was also announced that his role has somewhat changed to the film’s executive producer.

“It’s been an honor working with the wonderful folks at Marvel. We were able to put together a killer cast and crew. Eager to see where the next director takes the film.”

Blade was announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019 after Marvel Studios executive producer, Kevin Feige, expressed interest to have the superhero included in the MCU. Mahershala Ali was announced to play the lead in the upcoming film, saying that he has to “earn his place” for the role. So far, he has only made a small voice only cameo during the post-credits scene in Eternals.

At Comic-Con 2022, Feige shared more details about the upcoming Marvel film and how it’s going to be part of Phase Five of the MCU. So far, only Ali, Delroy Lindo, and Aaron Pierre are the only known cast members for this project and Ali had a cut appearance in the upcoming Werewolf by Night special.

Blade is scheduled to come out on Nov 2023. But due to the change of directors, it is more likely that the film’s release is going to be delayed.