Marvel’s Blade Film Axed? Mahershala Ali’s Future Tied to Midnight Sons

After years of setbacks and shifting schedules, word is spreading that Marvel Studios has pulled the plug on Blade. The much-hyped project, which has been in the works for over half a decade, now faces claims of cancellation. According to Jeff Sneider on the Hot Mic Podcast, not only is the solo outing in jeopardy, but Mahershala Ali’s take on the iconic vampire hunter might be redirected to a different corner of the Marvel universe—specifically, the Midnight Sons.

While nothing’s been officially confirmed, the endless production hiccups have left fans and even the cast feeling less than optimistic. Marvel’s track record with supernatural teams like the Midnight Sons makes it plausible that Blade could pop up there instead, especially given the studio’s recent focus on expanding its mystical roster.

Ali’s Frustration with the Blade Project

It’s been more than six years since Mahershala Ali was first announced for the role, and he’s spent much of that time reassuring punters that the film was still on track. He’s dropped the odd promising update, keeping hope alive for those keen to see his take on the character.

But lately, Ali’s patience seems to be wearing thin. During a chat on Vogue’s Off the Cuff, when asked about his involvement in Marvel films alongside Scarlett Johansson, he quipped:

Leave me out of it.

The offhand remark, paired with his reluctance to discuss any progress, has only fuelled speculation that he’s lost faith in the solo Blade project. It’s not exactly a great look for a film that’s already been through the wringer.

The Midnight Sons: Marvel’s Darker Side

First appearing in 1992, the Midnight Sons are a team drawn from Marvel’s supernatural and occult stable. The line-up has included the likes of Blade, Ghost Rider, Doctor Strange, Moon Knight, Werewolf by Night, and Morbius, among others. Rather than being a tight-knit crew, they tend to band together when the situation demands it, usually to tackle threats that are a bit too weird for the usual superhero crowd.

Their stories lean into horror and the occult, with a tone that’s a fair bit darker than your standard Marvel fare. The team’s main adversaries include heavy hitters like Satan, Dormammu, and Mephisto—who’s recently made waves in Ironheart. With the MCU’s growing interest in the supernatural, the Midnight Sons seem like a natural fit for the next phase.

What’s Next for Blade and the MCU?

With the solo film’s future up in the air, many reckon Blade’s best shot at joining the MCU might be through the Midnight Sons. The group’s mix of horror, magic, and anti-heroes could give Marvel a fresh angle, and Ali’s Blade would fit right in. Whether or not the studio makes it official, fans are already debating if it’s time for the Midnight Sons to take centre stage.

What do you reckon—should Marvel fast-track the Midnight Sons into the MCU? Let us know your thoughts below.

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