The Marvel Cinematic Universe will soon usher in a new iteration of the vampire hunterBlade, with Mahershala Ali set to lead the daywalker’s introduction to the Marvel franchise. However, Ali will obviously not be the first to play the iconic character, as that accolade goes to Wesley Snipes, who portrayed the character in three movies in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In fact, it is now 25 years since Blade made his big screen debut, and that is something many Marvel fans have been celebrating on social media.
Back in 1998, the idea of a vast, connected movie universe was something that would have been laughed at and never mentioned again. It was hard enough getting a three-movie projectlike Lord of the Ringsoff the ground. For that reason, Wesley Snipes brought Blade to screens in a stand-alone movie, which received mixed reviews from critics, but proved to be a first big success story for Marvel on the big screen.
As one of the darker entries in Marvel Comics, Blade does not seem like the kind of character who can slot into a family friendly movie, and the originalBlade, and it’s two sequels, embraced that in a way the new iteration may not be able to match. In celebrating the 25th anniversary of the film, fans continue to praise Blade for being a very solid interpretation of the source material, while also preparing for the new iteration to make his full debut in the coming years. Comparisons are inevitable.
Related:Blade: Looking Back at Marvel’s R-Rated Horror Hero, 25 Years Later
How Will Blade Fit Into the MCU?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a strictly PG-13 affair on the big screen, but that is soon to change with the arrival ofDeadpool 3. WhileBladewill still seemingly stick with the PG-13 rating,it is likely to push the boundariesof the more child-friendly certificate. The potential downgrading ofBladeis something that has already been addressed by Snipes, when he said:
“I think those kind of stories lend themselves to a wide range of dialogue and situations. Both adult and young adult. I don’t know, it seems like the R-rating and PG-13 base is sliding now because it seems that now the 13-year-olds can speak better words than the adults can. As long as it’s true and organic to the subject matter, the plot, and the world that’s created. If there’s consistency, I think it’s fine [to be PG-13].”
In short, Blade may not be entering the MCU as an R-rated bloodbath, but that doesn’t mean it is going to lack bite. However, it has not been smooth sailing so far for the film, as even before the writer’s and actor’s strikes brought Hollywood to a halt, the project had already been throughmultiple scripts, writers and directors. While the character may be a popular choice for Marvel fans, the execution of the movie will come under a lot of scrutiny when it is released in 2025.
