Marvel Studios’ Blade film is losing actors, including Delroy Lindo and Aaron Pierre.
The Hollywood Reporter put out a piece chronicling the issues surrounding the project, including stars Lindo and Pierre getting let go by Marvel. Marvel’s decision isn’t because of anything the stars have done; instead, the decision was made because of how shaky the project has been. Mia Goth is currently the only cast member apart from Ali still attached.
The outlet also stated that star Mahershala Ali reportedly become “increasingly frustrated” at the lack of forward momentum. The film has gone through two directors–Bassam Tariq and Yann Demange, the latter of whom was “handpicked” by Ali.
Ali is also reported at having “an inordinate amount of influence over the project” at certain points, such as picking Denmage to replace Tariq and True Detective creative Nic Pizzolatto to polish the script. Ali reportedly wanted Blade to be his Black Panther (calling the studio about being Blade after winning an Oscar for Green Book), but so far, the project is falling apart. Blade’s revolving doors issue builds on production issues the film was having due to the recent writers and actors strikes, which put many projects on hold.
Ali’s attorney Shelby Weiser recently told The Hollywood Reporter about their feelings over Blade’s lack of progress.
“That deal was in 2019, and they still haven’t shot it, which is pretty much the craziest thing in my professional experience,” Weiser said.
The issues haven’t been missed by original Blade star Wesley Snipes, who recently tweeted, “Blade, lordylordylordy. Folks still lookin for the secret sauce, ridin snowmobiles in traffic, kinda rough. Daywalkers make it look easy, don’t they?”