While the wait for Blade to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been long and agonizing, MCU fans should still be thrilled at his imminent arrival. The history of Blade's place (or lack thereof) in the MCU is fraught with disappointments, given that his role in the wider Marvel Universe was announced nearly a decade ago. Nevertheless, there's still much to look forward to from Marvel's most famous daywalker.
At the time of writing, Marvel Studios' Blade solo film remains indefinitely delayed after its development was announced in July 2019 at San Diego Comic-Con, with Mahershala Ali set to star. Originally scheduled for November 2023, the film has been repeatedly delayed over the past seven years, including several directors and multiple script revisions.
Despite these challenges, however, Blade will remain a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on several fronts. In May 2026, insider Daniel Richtman reported that Marvel was considering using Blade in the 2027 film Avengers: Secret Wars. However, he did not specify whether this would be Mahershala Ali's Blade or Wesley Snipes's version of the character (who previously appeared in 2024's Deadpool and Wolverine).
There have also been rumors that Marvel is developing a Midnight Sons film, but release and production dates are still unknown. Blade is rumored to be one of the film's main characters, alongside other heroes such as Moon Knight, Dane Whitman, and Ghost Rider.
In Marvel's animated series, Blade appeared in the first season of Marvel Zombies, where, teaming with Khonshu, he possessed the powers of that universe's Moon Knight. This version of Blade tragically died in Episode IV, incinerated and vaporized by Thor's powerful lightning bolt after the God of Thunder transformed into a zombie. Mahershala Ali did not voice Blade; that role was played by Todd Williams.
With Marvel eager to incorporate Blade into larger ensemble films, his solo film is likely delayed until at least Phase 7 or later. Ali hasn't spoken about the film since the Jurassic World: Resurgence press tour in 2025, during which he stated he wasn't sure about Marvel's plans but still wanted the film to happen.
The main issues surrounding the Blade movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
No film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has faced as many challenges along the road to production as Blade. The film's last scheduled release date was November 7, 2025, but by then, no new information had emerged about Eric Brooks's first solo film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some even suggested Marvel cancel the film in favor of a proposed film about the Midnight Sons.
Given the lack of news about the upcoming Blade solo film in the last couple of years, it's unlikely it will be released before 2027, or maybe even 2028. Mahershala Ali, despite his passion for the role, is no longer young (he's now 52), and Marvel may have to turn to a younger actor to bring the character to life.
Both he and Wesley Snipes, who played Blade in the original film (before Marvel Studios was founded), could appear in the Multiverse saga, perhaps in Avengers: Secret Wars. In any case, Marvel doesn't seem to be willing to give up on Ali as Blade just yet. However, the chances of Blade playing a major role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the near future seem slim, as fans await further news about plans for the iconic character.