The long-awaited Blade movie from Marvel has faced numerous production challenges, and it appears that the franchise has overlooked a significant opportunity for storytelling. Seven years ago, during the pivotal events of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a perfect backdrop emerged for introducing the iconic vampire hunter, Blade, portrayed by Mahershala Ali.
The character of Blade made his first appearance in the MCU during the post-credits scene of Eternals, where his voice was heard, but he has yet to make a live-action debut. Despite the anticipation surrounding Ali’s portrayal, a multiversal version of Blade appeared in Marvel Zombies, blending elements of Blade and Moon Knight. Meanwhile, actor Wesley Snipes reprised his role as Blade in Deadpool & Wolverine, yet Ali’s version remains on the sidelines.
Missed Opportunities During the Blip
One of the most compelling opportunities to introduce vampires into the MCU occurred during the five-year period known as the Blip, which followed Thanos snapping his fingers in Avengers: Infinity War. In this moment, half of all life in the universe was erased, but vampires, being undead, would remain unaffected. This unique scenario could have led to a doubling of the vampire population, allowing them to thrive during a time of chaos.
A Blade movie set during this tumultuous period could have explored his battle against the rising tide of vampires as they took advantage of a world thrown into disarray. This narrative would not only have provided an engaging story but also offered a logical entry point for Blade’s character within the broader MCU narrative.
Unfortunately, the MCU did not prioritize Blade during the events of Infinity War and Endgame, resulting in a missed opportunity to intertwine his story with the overarching plot. While there are alternative methods to introduce Blade into the MCU, this particular timeline would have seamlessly connected him to the larger story arc.
Possibilities for Future Projects
Despite the missed chance to feature Blade during the Blip, Marvel could still explore this timeframe in future projects. The studio has demonstrated a willingness to revisit the Blip, as seen in series like Hawkeye, which highlighted characters’ experiences during that period. A Blade film set a few years prior to the current MCU timeline could allow for rich storytelling and character development.
Establishing Blade’s narrative during this era could also set the stage for his involvement in the anticipated Midnight Sons storyline. His conversations with the Black Knight in the post-credits scene of Eternals could be further developed, showcasing his efforts to gather other supernatural heroes and form a cohesive team.
While initial plans for Blade included a period piece, the direction has shifted over the years, and uncertainty remains regarding the film’s current status. Given the ongoing production challenges, it is likely that Blade will be presented as a standalone film, allowing other MCU installments to proceed without concerns about his eventual introduction.
As fans await further news about Blade’s future within the MCU, the franchise’s earlier missed opportunities serve as a reminder of the potential for expansive storytelling. The intersection of Blade’s narrative with significant events in the MCU could have enriched both his character arc and the broader cinematic universe.
