Wesley Snipes Approves Of Mahershala Ali In Blade Reboot

Marvel Studios unveiled a smorgasbord of plans for the next phase of its Marvel Cinematic Universe and all the movies it would include, but the best was saved for last. At the last moment of the panel, Marvel made one more huge announcement: Blade is getting rebooted.

More than 15 years after Blade 3, the character will return to the big screen, and this time as part of the MCU that launched with 2008's Iron Man. The titular character is being recast, however: As revealed at the very end of Marvel Studios' Comic-Con panel, the vampire hunter will be played by Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) this time around. Though the news was shocking, former Blade star Wesley Snipes (Chi-Raq, Demolition Man, The Expendables 3) wants everyone to "chillaaxx."

GameSpot sister site Comic Book got Snipes' thoughts on Ali's casting as Blade. "To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, chillaaxx. Although the news comes as a surprise, it's ALL GOOD," Snipes told the site. "Such is the 'business' of 'entertainment!' Much peace to the MCU crew--always a fan... So, 'nah fret nah worry, it's not de end of de story.'"

In direct response to Ali donning Blade's swords and fangs, Snipes seems to be excited that someone as "beautiful and talented" as Ali is in the role. "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," Snipes said. "Welcome to the Daywalker Klique."

In between comments, Snipes was keenly aware to send all the love, "honor and respect to the grandmaster Stan [Lee]," who passed away late last year due to heart complications.

There are currently no other details about the Blade reboot, including director, writer, or release date. However, Comic Book confirmed that Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige said the rebooted Blade will take place in Phase Five of the MCU.

The Phase Four release rollout is just below, including movies and Disney+ TV shows. For a complete panel recap, check out our rundown on everything announced at the Marvel Studios panel.

• May 1, 2020 -- Black Widow
• Fall 2020 -- Falcon and Winter Soldier
• November 6, 2020 -- The Eternals
• February 12, 2021 -- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings
• Spring 2021 -- WandaVision
• May 7, 2021 -- Doctor Strange 2: In The Multiverse of Madness
• Spring 2021 -- Loki
• Summer 2021 -- "What If?" animated series
• Fall 2021 -- Hawkeye
• November 5, 2021 -- Thor: Love and Thunder