Remember the much-anticipated Marvel reboot of Blade starring Mahershala Ali? Though the project encountered numerous setbacks, including losing directors and being delayed from its original November 2023 release, intriguing details about its concept have emerged. Notably, the former costume designer, Ruth E. Carter, revealed that the film was initially envisioned as a period piece.
Carter, a two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer celebrated for her work on Coming 2 America and director Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, shared her insights during a recent episode of the Designing Hollywood podcast. She reflected on her preparation for Blade, emphasizing how her efforts were not in vain, as they informed her subsequent work on Sinners.
“I was prepping for Blade for Marvel, and it was a 1920s vampire story,” Carter disclosed. “But due to the strikes, the project got shut down, leaving me in limbo. After a lot of research, Ryan’s wife, Zinzi, reached out to tell me that Ryan had a new period piece about vampires. Given my recent immersion in the genre, I was eager to learn more.”
According to a 2024 Hollywood Reporter article, Blade has gone through several script revisions, with each iteration exploring diverse settings and timelines. One intriguing version even featured a “massive train” as a central element, while Carter’s concept included Mia Goth as a vampire villain named Lillith, who pursued Blade’s daughter. Although Goth remains attached to the project, it’s fascinating to consider what costumes Carter could have designed for both her and Ali had the period reboot been realized.
For those outside the Marvel-centric vampire fandom, all seems well. The successful transition from Blade to Sinners significantly contributed to Coogler’s film becoming one of the must-watch releases of 2025. Fans are hopeful that the evolving Blade film will grow beyond a mere footnote in Wikipedia, eventually gracing theaters in the near future.
What was the original vision for Marvel’s Blade? The original concept aimed for a 1920s period piece that included a vampire storyline, reflecting a unique twist on the superhero genre.
Why did Blade get delayed? The reboot faced significant delays due to writers’ and actors’ strikes, which ultimately led to losing its directors and funding issues.
What can fans expect from the new Blade? While specifics remain unclear, fans anticipate a fresh reinterpretation that may align more with contemporary themes and storytelling, building on the original material.
How does Ruth E. Carter’s work influence film costume design? Carter’s preparation for past projects enables her to bring depth and authenticity to her designs, which resonate strongly with audience expectations and character portrayals.
What’s next for Marvel’s vampire genre? Marvel seems committed to expanding its vampire narrative, paving the way for future projects that blend horror elements with superhero flair.
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