Wesley Snipes Responds to Mahershala Ali Blade Casting

July 23, 2019

One of the most epic surprises Marvel had in store for fans at San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend was the revelation that two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Green Book) has been cast to portray Blade in an upcoming adaptation for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ali will step into a role previously played by actor Wesley Snipes, who has stated multiple times he would love to return to the role and had been in discussions with the studio back in 2015 to reprise the character.

In a statement to ComicBook.com, the 56-year-old actor has revealed his feelings on the new casting, which is nothing but love and support for Ali.

“To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx. Although the news comes as a surprise, it’s ALL GOOD. Such is the ‘business’ of ‘entertainment!’ Much peace to the MCU crew – always a fan,” Snipes says. “Honor and respect to the grandmaster Stan. Congratulations and Salaam to Mahershala Ali, a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come. Inshallah, we will someday work together. Most importantly to my loyal fans, the incredible outpouring of love is overwhelming. I am grateful for the never-ending support. So, ‘nah fret nah worry, it’s not de end of de story.’ Welcome to the Daywalker Klique.”

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed that Blade would not be in Phase 4, but did not reveal just yet if it would encompass Phase 5 or even later, which puts the film at releasing in 2022 at the very earliest.

Blade was created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Gene Colan as a supporting character in the comic book “The Tomb of Dracula” #10 in July of 1973. Wesley Snipes played the martial artist Daywalker three times, in 1998’s Blade (the first successful Marvel Comics film), 2002’s Blade II and 2004’s Blade Trinity. He was replaced by rapper Sticky Fingaz for Spike’s Blade TV series, which only lasted one season in 2006.