Marvel Studios just tapped X-Men '97 head writer Beau DeMayo to rewrite the Blade screenplay, according to a new report.
News of DeMayo's involvement in the hotly-anticipated reboot comes courtesy of The Direct. The entertainment news outlet claims that DeMayo has already replaced original Blade scribe Stacy Amma Osei-Kuffour, who joined the production in February 2021. That said, Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed either Osei-Kuffour's exit or DeMayo's appointment as of this writing.
Blade's apparent creative shake-up follows rumors that the latest draft of the reboot's script left both the studio and star Mahershala Ali underwhelmed. Entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider recently tweeted that sources close to the production told him that the Blade script is around 90 pages long and only contains two action scenes, both of which are supposedly "lackluster." He noted that ongoing issues with the quality of the script have caused production delays, leaving Ali frustrated. Sneider then added that his sources attributed at least some of the blame to Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, who is allegedly stretched across too many projects to properly steer Blade.
The MCU Blade Reboot's Surprising Setting
Details of Osei-Kuffour's most recent Blade screenplay have since seemingly surfaced online. According to these reports, the reboot is currently set during the 1920s and will feature European vampires among its cast of characters. The story will possibly extend beyond the early 20th Century, as well, with talk of Blade unfolding across multiple time periods and locations, including the present-day Marvel Cinematic Universe. As with DeMayo's role in the production, Marvel Studios remains tight-lipped regarding the veracity of these Blade plot points, which means fans shouldn't treat them as gospel at this stage.
Marvel Studios has, however, confirmed that Blade no longer has a director. In an official statement, the studio announced that Bassam Tariq will no longer helm the film, with no explanation given for his decision to step down. Marvel Studios' statement went on to thank Tariq for his contributions to the production to date and noted that he remains involved as an executive producer. The search is now on for Tariq's replacement, especially given Blade is reportedly targeting an October 2022 start date for principal photography.
There's no word yet on who is in the running to take over as Blade's new director, although John Wick's Chad Stahelski has previously expressed interest in the project.
Blade is currently set to arrive in theaters on Nov. 23, 2023
Source: The Direct