Wesley Snipes, who just recently reflected on the impact of the Blade franchise, may be returning to the role. If you believe an item in the New York Daily News, that is.

According to the newspaper's celebrity gossip column, "sources close to Snipes" say the 52-year-old actor has struck a deal to once again play Marvel's daywalker, for which he'd make $3 million plus a cut of profits.

However, Marvel Studios, which revealed in 2011 that it reclaimed the Blade rights, has given no indication it's bringing the character back to the screen. Although Marvel has demonstrated a willingness with Guardians of the Galaxy and the upcoming Doctor Strange to venture away from straightforward superhero fare in its films, Blade would seem like a better fit with its Netflix plans, which will focus on more street-level characters like Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones and Iron Fist.

Still, secret projects are always in the works in Hollywood, so we'll see how this shakes out.

Snipes, who starred in 1998's Blade, 2002's Blade II and 2004's Blade: Trinity, told MTV during Comic-Con International that he'd be open to a fourth installment.

"I think we've got some stones left unturned, and there's some latitude for us to build on," he said. "I'd love to get back in the suit again and do some things that I've learned how to do now, that I didn't know how to do then. I think we're better at making that kind of a film now."

(via ComicBook.com)