‘Blade’: How Wesley Snipes Really Feels About Marvel’s Reboot

Arguably the biggest shock from Marvel Studios’ SDCC panel last weekend was the announcement of a “Blade” reboot starring two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali. Naturally, once the dust settled, many fans began to wonder how Marvel’s original Daywalker, Wesley Snipes, would feel about the news. Snipes portrayed the vampire hunter in a trilogy of films released from 1998 to 2004.

In an exclusive statement made to ComicBook.com, Snipes told his fans that all was good between him and Marvel regarding the new “Blade.”

“To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx,” Snipes told the outlet. “Although the news comes as a surprise, it’s ALL GOOD. Such is the ‘business’ of ‘entertainment!’ Much peace to the MCU crew - always a fan. Honor and respect to the grandmaster Stan. Congratulations and Salaam to Mahershala Ali, a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come. Inshallah, we will someday work together. Most importantly to my loyal fans, the incredible outpouring of love is overwhelming. I am grateful for the never-ending support. So, ‘nah fret nah worry, it’s not de end of de story.’ Welcome to the Daywalker Klique.”

Fans were perhaps more interested in Snipes’s feelings on the reboot because, in 2016, he expressed interest in reprising the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reports EW. Despite his enthusiasm, a return was unlikely, as Marvel Studios has never evidenced much interest in folding older versions of their characters into their hugely-successful universe.

No release date is currently set for Ali’s take on “Blade.” MCU producer Kevin Feige recently confirmed that the reboot would be a part of Phase Five, appearing sometime after 2021.