After Marvel announced its plans to reboot Blade back in 2019, many speculated whether the original star Wesley Snipes would reprise his role for the MCU. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Marvel decided to recast the vampire hunter by bringing on Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali for the role, and now Snipes has opened up about his feelings towards the decision.
Speaking to Yahoo‘s Kevin Polowy, the actor revealed that he had actually spoken to Ali about the upcoming project and there’s no bad blood between them. “We spoke. The issue of him being cast wasn’t between us, I’m cool with that,” Snipes said before explaining that he’s not feeling too bad about not returning as the character. “I don’t walk around as Blade, so I’m not attached to the character like that. I feel no emotional loss, zero, and I’m happy that he’s being recast and will more than likely do a great job.”
Snipes also gave Ali some advice for playing Blade: “Make sure you’re in shape, man. Make sure you’re in shape. Try not to get hurt, that’s a biggie. The demands of an action movie is you’ve got to be an elite athlete. And being well-conditioned to survive and to avoid injury. And enjoy it while it lasts.”
There’s currently no release date for Blade‘s reboot yet, but Ali has already made his debut in the MCU during the end credits scene of Eternals.
Wesley Snipes says he’s talked to new Blade star Mahershala Ali, assures us he’s not the least bit bitter over new casting.
“I’m cool with it. I don’t walk around as Blade, so I’m not attached to the character… I feel no emotional loss. ZERO. I’m happy that’s he’s being cast.” pic.twitter.com/B0xYmFa6NK
— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) November 18, 2021
In other Marvel-related news, Hot Toys is offering fans the most detailed look yet at Tom Holland’s new Spider-Man: No Way Home suit.
