Mahershala Ali avoids question on Marvel’s Blade amid delays: “Leave me out of it”

Mahershala Ali has avoided addressing questions about Marvel’s Blade reboot as the project continues to face delays. While promoting Jurassic World Rebirth, Ali, a two-time Oscar winner, appeared in Vogue’s “Off the Cuff” interview alongside co-stars Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson. 

During a round of rapid-fire questions, Bailey asked Ali and Johansson how many Marvel Cinematic Universe films they had each appeared in. Ali responded with a laugh, “Leave me out of it. That’s a Scarlett question.”

Johansson, known for her role as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, has appeared in ten MCU titles since Iron Man 2 (2010). Bailey acknowledged Ali’s upcoming solo outing, stating, “Well, there’s one that we’re very excited about.”

Although Ali voiced Blade in a credits scene following 2021’s Eternals, he has yet to appear physically in the MCU. 

Marvel first announced the Blade reboot with Ali in 2019, but the project has faced several delays, including the departure of directors Bassam Tariq and Yann Demange, as well as the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.

In 2024, Marvel removed Blade from its 2025 release schedule, adding to concerns about the project’s future. However, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has maintained that the character will appear in the MCU.

“We love the character, we love Mahershala’s version of him,” Feige said in November. “Whenever we change direction with a project, or are still trying to figure out how it fits into our schedule, we let the public know.”

Marvel continues to reassess its schedule while confirming its commitment to bringing the character to the MCU.