Marvel boss Kevin Feige breaks silence on delayed 'Blade' reboot

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has candidly addressed the troubled development of Blade, admitting he feels like a "gigantic loser and failure" over the long-delayed reboot starring Mahershala Ali.

Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast while promoting Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Feige reflected on the project that was first announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019.

"I am feeling very excited that we got Wesley back for Deadpool & Wolverine," Feige said. "And I am feeling like a gigantic loser and failure that we didn't get off the ground with Mahershala."

Ali was unveiled as Marvel's new Blade during the studio's post-Avengers: Endgame presentation, sparking huge excitement among fans. However, nearly seven years later, the reboot has yet to enter production.

The film has faced multiple setbacks over the years, including changes in directors, numerous script rewrites and repeated production delays.

Director Bassam Tariq was originally attached to helm the project before exiting in 2022, just months before filming was expected to begin. Yann Demange later took over but also departed in 2024 as the project continued to stall.

Several writers reportedly worked on different versions of the screenplay, with the film even evolving into a period piece set in the 1920s at one stage before Marvel ultimately removed Blade from its release schedule.

Although Feige previously insisted the film remained in development, his latest comments have fueled speculation that Mahershala Ali may no longer be attached to the role.

For now, Marvel has yet to announce a new production timeline or release date for the highly anticipated reboot.