Mahershala Ali Confirms He's No Longer Starring in Marvel's Blade Reboot
Showbiz Reporter Staff
Mahershala Ali has confirmed he is no longer attached to Marvel's long-delayed Blade reboot, revealing that the project ultimately failed to move forward because the studio chose not to make it.
Mahershala Ali Opens Up About the Long-Delayed Project
The two-time Academy Award winner addressed years of speculation during a recent interview, making it clear that his time with Blade has officially come to an end.
Ali said he has learned to accept that not every project reaches the finish line, even after years of development.
"I've been doing this professionally for pushing 30 years now, and one thing I've learned is that what is for you is for you and what is not is not."
He added that he has made peace with leaving the project behind after remaining attached for years.
"If They Wanted to Do It, We Would've Done It"
Ali also appeared to place responsibility on Marvel for the film's collapse, suggesting the studio never fully committed to bringing the reboot to theaters.
"For whatever reason, that project is not for me. If they wanted to do it, we would've done it."
The actor continued by pointing out that he had already signed on for the role and remained under contract.
"You had me under contract, they have billions of dollars. If they wanted to do the movie, we would've done the movie. So we're not doing the movie."
Ali Says It's Time to Move On
After years of questions surrounding the troubled reboot, Ali said he's ready to close that chapter.
He emphasized that any remaining questions about Blade should be directed at Marvel rather than him.
"I feel ready to move on from the Blade questions. Those questions are for them. They didn't want to do it, so they should answer that question."
Marvel first announced Ali as its new Blade several years ago, but the reboot experienced multiple production setbacks, including changes in writers, directors and release plans before ultimately stalling.
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