n updated MCU iteration of ‘Blade’ was first announced back in 2019, but after what seems like a blood curse on the production, Marvel Studios has allegedly pulled the plug on the project. Mahershala Ali approached Marvel about playing the character in early 2019 and the studio made an official announcement that July at Comic-Con. The actor has technically already brought Blade top the MCU, in voice only during a post credit scene on the MCU phase 4 films “The Eternals”. Since then, the project has been wrought with delays and disappointments with multiple Directors and a handful of Writers all coming in and out of the project over the years.
Ali has also had issues with the studio throughout that have not been conducive to the process as well although it’s worth noting Ali is not known as a difficult performer in the entertainment industry. The cancellation of the film was first reported on during “The Hot Mic Podcast” where know industry insider and frequent leaker Jeff Sneider and John Rocha discuss insider news in film and TV. Sneider claims that the studio has shifted it’s focus away from Blade as a solo character but instead wants to re-introduce the character to MCU audiences through a teamup film of the iconic cult classic Marvel hero group from the early 90’s, Midnight Sons.
Sneider claims that the studio has shifted it’s focus away from Blade as a solo character but instead wants to re-introduce the character to MCU audiences through a teamup film of the iconic cult classic Marvel hero group from the early 90’s, Midnight Sons.”
Midnight Sons originally formed during a storyline in a ‘Ghost Rider’ comic book, but quickly became a popular team in Marvel’s arsenal. The original team consisted of “the Nine”: Blade, Morbius, Ghost Rider (Danny Ketch), Johnny Blaze (human form), Frank Drake, Hannibal King, Vicki Montesi, Louise Hastings and Sam Buchanan. The lesser known names in the list are mainly connected to ether Dracula or hte Darkhold althoguh if the MCU does do an adaptation, it’s improbable that Kevin Feige would include all 9 members of the Midnight Sons.
We’re pretty much guaranteed Blade and Ghost Rider, but other members are anyone’s guess. After the relentless memes following the flop of 2022’s “Morbius”, it’s a toss up whether the Studio would like to bring the tainted character back into the fold. Other members of the group over the years boast a who’s-who of potential headline grabbing team ups: Wolverine, Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch, Moon Knight, Werewolf by Night, Man-Thing, Man-Thing, Iron Fist, Nico Minoru (Runaways), Magik (New Mutants), Daimon Hellstrom, The Hood and last but not least, fan-favorite Wong… and that’s just the characters who have already appeared in the MCU and it’s connected universes. It’s debatable that the “Helstrom” series is part of the MCU, but the Binge team considers it (along with “Madame Web”) a part of the overall MCU as movies or shows shouldn’t be removed from a universe once they start production because the powers that be shift focuses.
Continuity aside there’s also a high chance that Moon Knight will appear after Marvel exec Brad Winderbaum teased the character’s return to the MCU after announcing “Moon Knight” would not have a season 2. Marvel fans into the darker corners of the universe will be happy to hear an official announcement from the studio sometime between now and Comic-Con, but if Sneider is correct, which he does have a solid track record, then ‘Blade’ in the MCU as a solo film is undead.
For now fans will have to rewatch “Marvel Zombies” if they want a little taste of what’s to come with ‘Midnight Sons’ movie. Back in June of 2025, another popular industry leaker, Daniel Richtman did report that a ‘Midnight Sons’ movie was finally back in development after previously being put on hold. There have been rumors that once the dust has settled after ‘Secret Wars’, the MCU will focus on Cosmic, Mutant and Supernatural themes. Midnight Sons will definitely give the fans the supernatural, but can they deliver on the darkness that fans who are more prone to DC style entertainment? It’s tough to say and likely depends on whether the film is rated PG-13 or R.
Marvel has made multiple attempts at delving into the occult side of the board, but has not had serious success so far. Ghost Rider was reintroduced during “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”, but did not become a spin-off worthy character. The aforementioned “Morbius” clearly had its issues while “Moon Knight” is probably the most successful adaptation of the bunch. ‘Multiverse of Madness’ was the biggest budget foray into the supernatural, but that movie was likely doomed prom the start for casual moviegoers. Will the MCU really put out a ‘Midnight Sons’ movie after’Secret. Wars’? That would put a release date in 2028 or beyond, so plenty of time for more news about such a badass project to come to light.
What do you think? Was Wesley Snipes right? Is there ever really nay gonna be one Blade? Or will the character have new life in ‘Midnight Sons’? Which members will we get to see if the team’s first formation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
