Bassam Tariq Has Departed Marvel Studios’ ‘Blade’
Image source: SuperheroHype
The next iteration of Marvel’s vampire hunter has hit quite the snag.
News broke Tuesday night that Bassam Tariq would no longer be directing the Blade reboot starring Mahershala Ali as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It came just as shooting was about to begin in November in Atlanta. He does, however, remain an executive producer. A search for Tariq’s replacement is already underway. The departing director called working with Marvel an honor and took pride in the cast and crew he helped assemble. He also looks forward to where the film will go with its next director.
The decision is being attributed to continued shifts in the production schedule. As of a couple of days ago, casting calls went out for extras for the film when it shoots in Cleveland beginning November 14. It seems that might be pushed back. Beau DeMayo has been brought on to write the current version of the script. There have been troubles reported that may be the cause of these shifts.
Still, as of this point, Blade is holding onto its November 3, 2023 release date and stars Ali, Delroy Lindo, and Aaron Pierre, who was just announced to be starring as Malcolm X in the next season of Genius. Blade’s integration into the MCU was initially announced at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, and its release date and placement in phase five were given at this year’s edition in July.
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