A year-and-a-half after he was attached back in late 2022, “’71” director Yann Demange has now exited Marvel Studios’ long in the works “Blade” film.
The Wrap broke the news, indicating that the departure is amicable and “happened some time ago”.
Actor Mahershala Ali, who remains attached to star in the project, was first announced as being cast in the part nearly five years ago now.
When original director Bassam Tariq exited over creative differences just weeks before filming was to begin in Fall 2022, Ali handpicked Demange to direct. Delays led to new writers and other shifts in personnel but Demange stayed onboard until now.
This marks the latest challenge for the project which has hired Eric Pearson to work on the latest draft. Pearson comes onboard after Stacy Osei-Kuffour, Beau DeMayo, Michael Starrbury, Nic Pizzolatto and Michael Green have all taken a shot at it. Green (“Logan,” “Blade Runner 2049”) was rumored earlier this week as having been hired by Marvel to pen a “Midnight Sons” film according to Nexus Point News.
“Blade” presently has a release date of November 7th 2025 – one it’s unlikely to hold if a new director and writer overhaul it.
