Karachi-born Bassam Tariq to no longer direct Marvel’s 'Blade'

Studio is currently looking for a replacement for director but confirmed Tariq will stay onboard as executive producer

Karachi-born filmmaker Bassam Tariq is no longer directing Marvel Studios' Blade, reported The Hollywood Reporter. Marvel's upcoming movie is scheduled for release on November 3, 2023, and was commencing filming in November.

The vampire action-thriller stars Oscar winner Mahershala Ali in the lead role, together with Delroy Lindo and Aaron Pierre. However, it is unknown how Tariq's departure would affect the filming.

"Due to continued shifts in our production schedule, Bassam is no longer moving forward as director of Blade but will remain an executive producer on the film," Marvel said in a statement to the publication. In his own statement, Tariq expressed gratitude to Marvel, saying, "It's been an honor working with the wonderful folks at Marvel. We were able to put together a killer cast and crew. Eager to see where the next director takes the film."

Blade’s filming schedule has been pushed back not once but twice previously and its script has also been changed multiple times. According to some reports, the company has already begun looking for a replacement director.

After the film's announcement at San Diego Comic-Con 2019, amid tremendous hoopla, Blade quickly became one of Marvel's most anticipated movies. However, now fans are actively awaiting the new replacement of Tariq and what the future holds for the production of Blade.

Featuring Riz Ahmed, Tariq directed and co-wrote the rap drama Mogul Mowgli. Since the summer of 2021, he has been working on Blade from a screenplay by Watchmen author Stacy Osei-Kuffour.

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