Remembering Blade:
Marshala Ali has Big re-Boots to fill…
The First, First Marvel Hit
On August 21, 1998 (my birthday), Blade cemented a foundation for the future Marvel Studios in becoming the first successful Marvel Comics movie. This is a bold claim but looking at the facts, it was both a critical and commercial success in a time when Marvel was in desperate need of both. Marvel Entertainment Group filed chapter 11 bankruptcy less than 2 years prior, was riddled with flopped movie attempts, and the year prior had poorly received comics arcs. Not to mention, previous costly decisions forced them to sell some of the rights to their most popular franchises (i.e. Spider-Man going to Sony and X-Men to Fox) just to stay afloat.
Suddenly, Out of the mists of generic 90s action movies emerged a badass Wesley Snipes toting a silver katana, guns, stakes, and ‘dem hands’. Blade went on to gross 131 million dollars from a 45 million dollar budget and launched a cinematic franchise that lasted until 2004.
There is no denying that Blade had the action-packed, comedy-infused mojo that we have grown accustomed to in the current MCU and, for the record, they did the leather-trench-coat-gun-fu thing a year before the Matrix released. But, to fully appreciate Blade it is necessary to recognize how much of an impact the Original Vampire Hunter had on the success of the film.
Wesley Snipes Leading Man
As Wesley Snipes rose to fame throughout the 90s he focused more and more on roles where he would be able to utilize his Martial Arts background. Since the age of 12 he studied the arts. He holds a 5th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, a 2nd degree black belt in Hapkido and is proficient in many other martial arts.
In addition to playing the part, Snipes was just as influential behind the scenes. He is also credited as a producer and fight choreographer, and did the vast majority of his stunts. Snipes’ expertise and experience helped accentuate the tone and mood of the film by combining with technical martial arts with gritty street brawling. He was able to convey a respect for the martial arts and further normalize the idea of black people as heroes in fantastical stories.
When Marshala Ali was announced as Marvel’s new Blade at SDCC 2019 this weekend, that foundation was further expanded. Ali has portrayed a vast array of characters with stories and nuances that continue to break away from the tropes and stereotypes that are still all too common for black characters. Characters Snipes decisively avoided as his opportunities grew.
Marshala takes the Mantle
No stranger to Comic Books stories , Luke Cage’s Cottonmouth Marshala Ali, shut down Hall H during Kevin Feige’s final surprise announcement at San Diego Comic-Con. Marshala is a decorated actor and now follows in a long line of people playing 2 different characters in the same universe.
Play the Human Torch! 
The Upgrade is Worth it!
When the news was announced at San Diego Comic-Con this weekend the internet expressed it’s resounding support as this could be the best casting possible. The casting gained immediate support and rightfully so, with a very similar look and the ability to evoke that quintessential “strong silent type” persona Ali seems like a shoe in.
There is no doubt that Ali (a two time Oscar winner) has the acting chops to play a blade that truly resonates with the audience, but it is necessary to point out that the original 1998 film had some advantages that will make things interesting this time around.
Avoiding A Stake Through The Heart
Ali and the new team would do well to recognize that this Blade will be in a very different position than its predecessor. Therein lies some great benefits but also some dangerous threats.
- The original did not have 11 years of successful comic films to live up to, but it also did not have an 11 year legacy and loyal fan-base to drive interest like it does today.
- The next Blade will have to combat the stigma and frustration audiences are expressing towards reboots and remakes while having the advantage of pulling at the nostalgic heart strings bound to the original.
- Having a leading actor who was capable of stunts and fight coordinating might have made a make a world of difference when filming the original Blade– an advantage that Ali would have to close the gap on with intense training similar to what Keanu endures to prepare for John Wick performances.
- Marvel now has an incredible talent pool of Filmmakers at their disposal in addition to an even more seasoned Snipes.
Whether or not you are #AllInForAli you cannot deny that this movie has the potential to be epic. So let’s take a moment to acknowledge how 21 years ago Blade took a silver tipped katana and started carving the path that the Marvel Cinematic Universe uses to roll out Comic Book Movie Greatness.
But, What do you think? Can Marvel re-create the magic of the original or will this Blade be dull ? (see what I did there)
Let Us Know, In The Comments Below…
–H00k 0ut
P.S. And now 9 minutes of Blade Disrespecting vampires because you loved it, you know you did.